Regions and Countries

	Table of Contents
p. 13 of 20 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies A. Agriculture B. Infrastructure C. Social Infrastructure and Environment D. Governance Dimensions of ADB Operations E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations F. Private Sector Development IV. Subregional Economic Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Philippines : III. Sector Strategies

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E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations

60. ADB operations are increasingly based on strong community participation, particularly that of women who play a dynamic role in community based organizations. Although overall gender equity is high, regional disparities exist, particularly in the Southern Philippines. ADB operations will assist in closing gender gaps, particularly in the Southern Philippines, in key areas such as access to basic social services including education, health and water as well as to productive means, financing, and opportunities. The proposed Mindanao Basic Education Development Project and the Education Sector Development Program will try to narrow gender gaps in education. The proposed Mindanao Community Based Forest Resources Management Project will address women's needs as providers and caretakers of the environment. The proposed Upland Communities Development and the Rural Microfinance Projects will assist in the income generation needs of poor women, who are expected to participate prominently in the activities supported by these projects. By extending basic municipal services to households, the proposed Mindanao Basic Urban Services Project and the Development of Poor Urban Communities Project will greatly ease the domestic burden of women. Women's concerns about the impact of globalization on the labor force will be addressed through the Technical Education and Skills Development Project. The Project prepares workers through formal technical education and provides the opportunity to female workers who are unlikely to go back to school with the opportunity to increase their skills through non-formal education. This is of increasing importance to older female workers who are more likely to be unskilled and more easily displaced in an increasingly competitive labor market. Women’s health issues are being addressed through ADB’s ongoing Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project and will be addressed through the Health Sector Development Program and Reproductive Health Program.

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