Philippines eyes more Filipino women in United Nations peacekeeping operations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is ready to increase its presence in the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations, whose primary mission is to promote and maintain international peace and security, Malacañang said yesterday. 

Delivering the country’s statement at the 9,574th UN Security Council meeting on March 13, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the country is eyeing the deployment of more “highly trained women” in UN peacekeeping operations.

“We wish to increase our footprint with more professional peacekeepers on the ground, most especially highly trained women peacekeepers with nothing to prove and much compassion to share,” Loyzaga was quoted by the Presidential Communications Office as saying.

“This is our commitment to inclusive intergenerational and lasting peace. As a partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker, the Philippines is ready to bring our experiences to the security council to demonstrate a focused and effective approach to peace and security challenges,” she said.

Since the “Limbas Squadron” was deployed to the Congo in 1963, the Philippines has deployed over 14,000 Filipino peacekeepers to 21 UN peacekeeping and special political missions in Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The theme of the 9,574th Security Council meeting was “Promoting Conflict Prevention – Empowering all Actors Including Women and Youth.” 

“We believe honest and strategic collaboration is essential to assisting conflict affected countries – the peaceful settlement of international disputes and strengthen resilience in facing security risks. Women are the core of this mission. The art of peacemaking begins at home and comes out of the hands of women,” Loyzaga said.   

Loyzaga also shared before the UN the Philippines’ success story in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which she said “are greatly contributed by women negotiators, researchers, educators and community organizers.” 

She said the process is found in understanding intersectionality of vulnerability; the recognition of opportunities for shared gains through strategic interventions; the value of institutionalizing convergence for social cohesion and sustainable development, and in jointly realizing the intergenerational value of peace.  

“We forged what is now BARMM across half a century of fighting between (warring) factions and clansmen, and both against an inclusive democracy. Peace is possible and patience-based, they are the best way forward and the least hurt and lost,” Loyzaga said. 

 “We hope to engage with the Peacebuilding Commission to share our experiences in establishing the BARMM as we continue our journey towards a sustainable peace through conflict prevention, equity, and always without fail, human dignity,” she added. 

 Loyzaga told the Security Council that the Philippines has always stood for a rules-based order “where reason rules and compassion prevail” which is evident in the country’s active participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN and other global partnerships.

 She added that the country’s active involvement in international organizations also underscores dedication to multilateralism and the privacy of international law.
Loyzaga said the Philippines looks forward to the “Summit of the Future” in September, and the “2025 Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture” along with “the strengthening, updating the UN toolbox for prevention of conflict and its recurrence.”