PLCPD and Gabriela Convenes Multisectoral Budget Forum on Women’s Health

PLCPD, in partnership with Gabriela Women’s Party convened a 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 last June 23 that discussed stakeholders’ budget priorities for SRHR, women and children’s rights, and gender equality in preparation for the upcoming deliberations for the 2027 national budget.

In her opening remarks, PLCPD ED Au Quilala calls on the government to prioritize services that will improve the quality of life of Filipinos: “Para sa amin, ang ibig sabihin ng nurturing future-ready generations ay makabuluhan at strategic investments at paglaan ng makabuluhang pondo para sa kalusugan, edukasyon, trabaho, mga programang nagsasara ng gaps sa social inequalities sa ating bansa, at mag-aangat ng kalidad ng pamumuhay ng bawat Pilipino.”

Rep. Sarah Elago led a discussion on the budget process, presenting an analysis of the 2026 General Appropriations and critical gaps in the budget allocation for basic social services, education, and programs for SRHR, women’s health and rights, and child protection.

PLCPD’s project lead for women’s rights campaigns Angie Ramirez presented PLCPD’s legislative agenda for the 20th Congress, emphasizing how adequate resource allocation is necessary for the effective implementation of laws and policies.

A panel discussion was moderated by PLCPD Advocacy and Partnerships Officer Chelsea Mejillano where representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Council for the Welfare of Children, and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) shared their agency’s respective budget priorities for F.Y. 2027 as they gear up their budget proposals.

The forum convened CSOs and key staff from 16 legislative offices to join the discussion on lessons from past budget deliberations and opportunities for scrutinizing the national budget and pushing for a more open and genuinely participatory budget process. Representatives from the following offices were present:

Office of Rep. Perci Cendaña (AKBAYAN Partylist)
Office of Rep. Kaka Bag-ao
Office of Rep. Leila De Lima (ML Partylist)
Office of Sen. Pia Cayetano
Office of Rep. Florabel Yatco
Office of Rep. Yedda Romualdez (TINGOG Partylist)
Office of Rep. Agatha Cruz
Office of Rep. Dennis Hernandez
Office of Rep. Jaime Cojuangco
Office of Rep. Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina
Office of Rep. Julius Ledesma
Office of Rep. Wilton Kho
Office of Rep. Ruth Sakaluran (COS)
Office of Rep. Bong Suntay
Office of Rep. Linabelle Villarica
Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD)

Former Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas led the ceremonial signing of the Manifesto of Unity, resounding the united call of women’s organizations, LGBTQIA+ groups, child rights advocates, civil society organizations, people’s organizations, and allies from legislative offices and congressional committees for a 2027 National Budget that prioritizes the rights, welfare, and development of the Filipino people.

Areas for collaboration in the budget advocacy process include: consultations with government agencies on budget priorities for women and children, strategizing work with legislative offices in preparation for an inclusive and pro-active budget deliberations in Congress, alignment among CSOs working on women’s rights and SRHR.