Philippines DILG reports on women in local governance and community participation

The Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that 4,377 women hold elective positions in local government units for the 2025-2028 term. While this remains lower than the 13,420 positions held by men, the DILG emphasized the necessity of women's participation in policymaking to drive community resilience and prosperity.

To support gender-responsive governance, the DILG is working with the Philippine Commission on Women to strengthen Gender and Development plans. The department also monitors Violence Against Women (VAW) Desks across more than 40,000 barangays and utilizes the Unified 911 system, which has recorded 3,564 calls involving violence against women and children.

In Davao City, the DILG is also promoting the establishment of a Local People’s Council. This initiative aims to institutionalize a platform for civil society organizations and community groups to participate in local policymaking, ensuring that governance is more responsive and inclusive through multi-sectoral dialogue.