Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CO ESS
First Regular Session

3228

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noe!

EXPLANATORY NOTE

{he Constitution, Article 2. Section 4 mandates the State to recognize the role of women un
cition-building, (his mandate requires the State to give women opportunities that will enhance their

svllare dnl realize their full potential in the servive of the nation.
In order 1 help our economy recover, the full potential of every Filipino must be realized. L-very
| Hiping must be given change to be productive and play his or her part in building a nation we earl ail be

wud ol. Everyone must be given a chance nouwithstanding the person's gender. aye. or ered.

{ his bill seeks o empower women in business enterprise by giving them the necessary assistance

Sulath thew tullest potential in the field of business and wade

Hae immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought

JOSEPHI

E VERPNIQUE R. LACSON-NOEL


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills. Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Reguiar 8

3228

HOUSE BILL NO.

introduced by Honorable Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel

AN ACT
| MPOWERING WOMEN BY PROVIDING THEM WITH FINANCIAL, EDUCATIONAL,
AND INFORMATION ASSISTANCE IN ORDER FOR THEM TO EXCEL IN COMMERCE.
AND TRADE,

| enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
ssemtbjed
SECTION 1. Short Title. — his Act shall be known as the “Women Empowerment in

Cierprise Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — tn accordance with the mandate of the constitution. it 15,

ities in enterprise that will enhance thew

cieclared. a State policy t grant women assistance and oppor

€ ud cheir full potential in order for them to play their role in nation-building.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — Vor purposes of this Act, the terms.

Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Labor and Employment

(2) “Department” relers to the Department of Labor and L:mpioyment
(3) “Commitee” refers to the women in Enterprise and Advisory Committee
SECTION 4. Development Program. The Secretary shail adopt and implement a "Women in

iierprie Development Program” which provides women with financial. cducationsl. and information

ions of this /

assistance. as provided for in the subsequent Sect


SECTION 5, Financial Assistance. ~The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to women:
& medium-size enterprises in which women

(1) To support the creation of micro. smal

can readily participate.
fo loster investment in business subsiantially owned or managed by women: and

(3) To enabie such women to further their education.

‘The Secretary shall, with the aid and cooperation of the

SECTION 6. Educational Assistance.
Secretary of Education. provide scholarship and educational assistance:

(71) Lo encourage women to participate in the process of local and national governme:

and to stimulate the interest of women in business:
overnment or business:

2) To provide women involvement

'o provide opportunities for women to gain practical experience in government and
eships while in school: and

ess through internship or on-the-job apprenti

(4) Lo identify women with leadership potential to serve as role models. and to assist

such women in furthering their education and obtaining suitable positions in the

public or private sector.
The Secretary of Education shall take the interest of women in consideration, specially

their development in enterprise. in adopting curricula. policies and guidelines for

secondary and post-secondary education.

SECTION 7. information Assistance. ~The Department shall create and establish local
which will cater to women interested in careers in business.

onirce centers jn its provincial offic

uovemmient. or related fields:
(1) Basic course in accounting, bookkeeping. and marketing practices. and other courses
and
and assistance in the locai

(2) Workshop. intormational muterials. career counsels

community

TION 8. Establishment of Committee. ~ The Secretary Stall establish 2 “Women ii

Lanterprise Assistance and Advisory Committee.


SECTION 9. Composition. -Yhe Committee shall be composed of the S as the
\ hairman and exght (8) members appointed by the said Secretary.”

(1) One (2) representative ofa labor organization

(2) Two (2) representative of the Department of Labor and Employment
(3) Two (2) representative of the Department of Education; and

(4) Three (3) members of the general public, of whieh at least wo (2) shall be women

engaged in an enterprise as an owner or part owner.

SECTION 10. Functions of the Comminee. Vhe Women in Enterprise Assistance and Advisory
\ommitiee shail have the following funetions:

1) Make rei

ommendations regarding prevention of gender discrimination in the arca of

business and trade:

(2) Study and recommend ways to empower women in the field of business and trade:

(3) Identify areas around the countey where women may excel not only in the fiek! ot
business and trade but also in career service in the yovernment:

(4) Approve and disapprove application of women candidates applying for any assistance
under thiy Act. and

(3) Formulate the nevessi

y rules and regulations:

SECTION 1L. Term of Office. Members of the Committee shall be appointed for term of three
(3) sears. except that of the members first appointed. three (3) shall be appointed for a term af one (1)
car, two (2) shalt be appomted for a term of nwo (2) years. and 1wo (2) shall be appointed for a tern ol

firve (3) Years, as determined by the

SECTION 12. Meetings. - The Commince sbail meet not less than four (4) times a year or at

tie cull af the Secretary

CTION 13. Compensation. — Members of the Committee shall be compensated ai a rate

valeut 10 an employee of the National Government occupying a salary grade 25 position. except

shige already employed by the Philippine Government


SECTION 14. Appropriations. — To carry out the provisions of this Act, such sum as may be
necessary’ 15 hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. Thereafter, the sums
necessary for the continuous operation of the centers shall be included in the annual appropriations of

tiie Department of Labor and tmployment.

RCTION 15, Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part hereot is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and

bsisting.

suance. executive order.

SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. — Any law. presidential decree o
jetter of instruction, administrative order. rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the

provisions of this Act is hereby repealed. modified or amended accordingly

SECTION 17. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shalt take effect fifieen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.