, _ . L  
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
1 
'04 
All5 10 p d  :.?J 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular ,Session 
1 
-~ 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 4 mandates the State to recognize the role of women 
This mandate requires the State to give women opportunities that will 
in nation-building. 
enhance their welfare and realize their full potential in the service of the nation. 
In order to help our economy recover, the full potential of every Filipino must be realized. 
Every Filipino must be given chance to be productive and play his or her part in building a nation 
we can all be proud of. Every one must be given a chance notwithstanding the person's gender, 
age, or creed. 
This bill seeks to empower women in business enterprise by giving them the necessary 
assistance to attain their fullest potential in the field of trade and business. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
) 
*Od ftU6 10 P 4  3 3  
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
EMPOWERING WOMEN BY PROVIDING THEM WITH FINANCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, 
AND INFORMATION ASISTANCE IN ORDER FOR THEM TO EXCEL IN COMMERCE 
ANDTRADE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Women Empowerment in 
Enterprise Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - In accordance with the mandate of the Constitution, 
it is declared, a State policy to grant women assistance and opportunities in enterprise that will 
enhance their welfare their full potential in order for them to play their role in nation-building 
and serve the nation. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the terms: 
(1) “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Labor and Employment, 
(2) “Department” refers to the Department of Labor and Employment; and 
(3) “Committee” refers to the Women in Enterprise Assistance and Advisory Committee. 
SECTION 4. Development Program. - The Secretary shall adopt and implement a 
Women in Enterprise Development Program which provides women with financial, educational 
and information assistance, as provided for in the subsequent Sections of this Act. 
SECTION 5. Financial Assistance. - The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to 
women: 


(1) to support the creation of small to medium-size businesses in which women can 
readily participate; 
(2) to foster investment in business substantially owned or managed by women; and 
(3) to enable such women to further their education. 
SECTION 6. Educational Assistance. -The Secretary shall, with the aid and cooperation 
of the Secretary of Education, provide scholarship and educational assistance: 
(1) to encourage women to participate in the processes of local and national government 
and to stimulate the interest of women in business; 
(2) to prepare women for involvement in government and business; 
(3) to provide opportunities for women to gain practical experience in government and 
business through internship or on-the-job apprenticeships while in school; and 
(4) to identify women with leadership potential to serve as role models, and to assist 
such women in fhrthering 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 cumcula, policies and guideline for secondary and 
post-secondaty education. 
SECTION 7. Information Assistance. -The Department shall create and establish a local 
resource centers in its provincial which offer to women interested in careers in business, 
government, or related fields: 
(1) basic course in accounting, bookkeeping, and marketing practices, and other courses; 
and 
(2) workshop, informational materials, career counseling, and assistance in the local 
community. 
SECTION 8. Establishment of Committee. - The Secretary shall establish a Women in 
Enterprise Assistance and Advisory Committee. 


SECTION 9. Composition. - The Committee shall be composed of Secretary as the 
Chairman and eight (8) members appointed by the said Secretary, including: 
(1) One (1) representative of a labor organization; 
(2) Two (2) representatives of the Department of Labor and Employment; 
(3) Two (2) representatives of the Department of Education; and 
(4) Three (3) members of the general public, of whom at least (2) shall be women 
engaged in an enterprise as an owner or part owner. 
SECTION 10. Functions of the Committee. - The Women in Enterprise Assistance and 
Advisory Committee shall have the following functions: 
(1) make recommendations regarding prevention of gender discrimination in the province 
of business and trade; 
(2) study and recommend ways to empower women in the field of business and trade; 
(3) identify areas around the country where omen may excel not only in the field of 
business and trade but also in career service in the government; 
(4) approve and disapprove application of women candidates applying for any assistance 
under this Act; and 
(5) formulate the necessary rules and regulations; 
SECTION 11. T e m  of Ofice. - Members of the Committee shall be appointed for a 
term of office of three (3) years, except that of the members first appointed, three (3) shall be 
appointed for, a term of one (1) year, two (2) shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years, and 
two (2) shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years, as determined by the Secretary. 
SECTION 12. Meetings. - The Committee shall meet not less than four (4) times a year 
or at the call of the Secretary. 


SECTION 13. Compensation. - Members of the Committee shall be compensated at a 
rate equivalent to an employee of the National Government occupying a salary grade 25 position, 
except those :already employed by the Philippine Government. 
SECTION 14. Appropriations. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, such sum as 
may be necessary is 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 the Department of Labor and Employment. 
SECTION 15. Separability Clause. -If any provision 01. part hereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter 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 shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
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