The Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC) continues to support the implementation of the “APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” initiative in the Philippines. From left to right: Ms. Heidi Umadac and Ms. Lenliegh Hope Luces of BIHC, Ms. Ace Itchon, President and CEO of Aspen Philippines, Inc., Mr. Joey Santos of Aspen Philippines, Inc., Mr. Ago Orcilla of Philippine Commission on Women, Dr. Janet Miclat and Dr. Menchi Dobles of Central Luzon Center for Health Development. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Joey Santos)

(Posting date) – As a follow-through activity to the Filipina CEO Circle Meeting held last July 11, 2019 at the Shangri-La at the Fort, the Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC) participated in a meeting hosted by ASPEN Philippines, Inc., with the Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) at the Palawan Function Room, Sofitel Philippine Plaza on September 5, 2019.  Plans for the presentation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) “Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” Policy Toolkit in the annual Pharmaceutical Marketing Conference of the Marketing Executives of the Pharmaceutical-Healthcare Industry (MEPI) were discussed.

The APEC “Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” initiative aims to enhance women’s economic power by convening governments, private sectors, academe, and other stakeholders to raise awareness, promote good practices and address health-related barriers specific to women.  The Policy Toolkit details policy recommendations on five (5) key areas: workplace health and safety; health access and awareness; gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health; and work/life balance. Its development in 2016 was Co-chaired by the Philippines (Department of Health, Philippine Commission on Women, and Department of Labor and Employment). END