FEBRUARY 19, 2025 — The Philippine government reaffirms 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 G. Edillon, participates in a constructive dialogue with the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on February 18-19, 2025.

The dialogue provides 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 Undersecretary 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.”

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 includes 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.

Since ratifying the ICESCR in 1974, the Philippines has remained committed to upholding economic, social, and cultural rights as fundamental to national development. As a state party, it submits periodic reports to the UN CESCR, detailing progress and challenges in implementing the Covenant’s provisions, including access to education, healthcare, and labor protections.

To ensure economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all Filipinos, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, the Philippine government has integrated ICESCR principles into national policies and programs, particularly in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. This underscores its strategic commitment to building a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society by reducing inequalities and enhancing social protection mechanisms.

The livestream of the UN dialogue can be accessed through this link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19whti9mj

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