The government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights and advancing inclusive development, as the country’s delegation, led by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, participated in a constructive dialogue with the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on Feb. 18 to 19, 2025.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for the Philippines to highlight progress in key areas, including poverty reduction, labor rights, education, healthcare, and social protection, as part of its treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
As the lead agency in coordinating the Philippines’ ICESCR compliance, NEDA ensures a whole-of-government approach to treaty reporting and policy coherence. These include the preparation of the country’s 7th Periodic Report, the response to the List of Issues on the Periodic Report, and Chapter 2 of the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan.
NEDA also spearheaded multi-sectoral consultations and inter-agency discussions to strengthen national policies on economic, social, and cultural rights.
“The Philippine Government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rights enshrined in the ICESCR, recognizing their vital role in fostering inclusive and sustainable development,” said Edillon.
“Through strong collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners, we continue to advance evidence-based policies and programs that ensure every Filipino benefits from equitable and rights-based progress, leaving no one behind,” she said.
Ahead of the discussions, the Philippine delegation was welcomed by the Permanent Mission headed by Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva.
The delegation included representatives from key agencies such as the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Dangerous Drugs Board, National Council on Disability Affairs, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, National Security Council, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, Philippine National Police and NEDA.