QUEZON CITY, Philippines – As it joins the Women’s Month celebration this March, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) recognizes the role of women in governance and nation-building.
Women make up the majority of the bureaucracy and as such, they play a significant part in the implementation of government programs as well as in policy and decision making. The CSC said it is only fitting to ensure the welfare and raise the morale of female workers so they can continue to be productive members of the bureaucracy.
In the 2010 Inventory of Government Personnel, there are 827,157 female government employees, representing 58.7% of the workforce.
However, according to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), women’s participation in decision-making can still be improved as males continue to outnumber females in various top leadership posts in government.
The CSC called on government agencies to observe gender and development (GAD) laws and policies, especially those that advance women’s welfare.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, the CSC issued Memorandum Circular No. 25, s. 2010 specifying guidelines on the availment of special leave benefits for women who have undergone surgery caused by gynecological disorders.
The policy says that female government workers, regardless of age and civil status, are entitled to up to two (2) months special leave with full pay following surgery caused by gynecological disorders. The employee should have rendered six (6) months of continuous aggregate service for the last 12 months prior to surgery.
In 2005, the CSC also issued Resolution No. 05-1206 or the Guidelines on the Availment of the 10-day leave under Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004). The policy entitles any female employee in the government service who is a victim of violence, or any woman employee whose child is a victim of violence, to a paid leave of absence not exceeding ten days.
March is National Women’s Month and the theme for this year is “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” which aims to celebrate and emphasize women’s roles in leadership, power, and decision-making.
