CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been recognized as one of the Top-Performing National Government Agencies (NGAs) in advancing gender equality and women empowerment.
The recognition was conferred by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for the AFP’s effective implementation of its Gender and Development (GAD) Budget for 2024 during an awarding ceremony held on September 25 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City.
Representing the AFP Chief of Staff, Commodore Zosimo M. Bolaños Jr. PN, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, AJ1, received the certificate of recognition along with Captain Venus G. Gualdaquever PN (GSC), Chief of the AFP Gender and Development Office (AFPGADO). The AFP secured distinctions for its efficient GAD Budget utilization, placing 5th in highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure and 7th in highest organization-focused GAD budget allocation among all NGAs.
The AFP Major Services also gained recognition through their respective GAD Offices. The Philippine Army earned the top rank in organization-focused expenditures, alongside high placements in allocation and overall budget categories. The Philippine Air Force ranked within the top 10 in several expenditure and allocation metrics, while the Philippine Navy secured first place in organization-focused expenditure and placed in multiple categories including attributed and client-focused allocations.
This recognition highlights the AFP’s unwavering commitment to gender mainstreaming, ensuring that gender equality and women empowerment are integrated into military policies, programs, and services. It also reflects the institution’s efforts to promote inclusivity in its ranks while reinforcing the role of women in defense, human resource development, and community engagement.///
