July 10, 2024 (Quezon City) – The Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed Canadian Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security H.E. Jacqueline O’Neill and her team on July 5, 2024, for a roundtable discussion on the efforts of the Philippines and Canada to promote women, peace, and security (WPS).

Defense Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon, representing the Chairperson of the DND Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (FPS), presided over the activity. Undersecretary De Leon shared the strides made by the Philippines on GAD, with the DND FPS continuing to seek ways to address roadblocks.

Ambassador O’Neill thanked the DND for the fruitful discussion and acknowledged the leadership of the Philippines in the field of WPS. She also shared Canada’s ongoing programs to support women in leadership roles within their security sector.

The two sides further expounded on the implementation of the respective National Action Plans on WPS of the Philippines and Canada, the continuing efforts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Canadian Armed Forces on gender mainstreaming in the military, and possible ways ahead for deeper collaboration on WPS between the two countries.