iv Messages MESSAG E Vicente Sellés Zaragozi Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) G ender equality is a priority policy of the Spanish Government and its development aid policy. The Spanish Cooperation strongly supports the fulfilment of Human Rights worldwide and the initiatives aimed at reducing the multiple and serious gender discrimination. Moreover, the Spanish Master Plan for Development Cooperation 2013-2016 adheres to the human rights approach for all the development initiatives funded by Spain, as well as incorporates gender mainstreaming as a priority along with the direct support to policies, plans and programs with the main goal to strengthen the capacities and empowerment of women. For more than 20 years, the Spanish Cooperation has been collaborating with the Philippine Government and the civil society. During this period, both countries have become strong partners, establishing a common goal of human development, reducing inequality and promoting inclusive development. As reflected in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, the sustained economic growth in the Philippines must be accompanied by public policies intended to transform growth into inclusive development. There remains however a gender gap in some development sectors that needs to be reduced. The complete integration of women and men into the society together with the respect and protection of their specific rights may lead to the transformation being envisioned. This inclusion is not only a fair cause but also a prerequisite for the development of the entire Filipino society. The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) is committed to continue supporting the Philippines in this endeavour. In 2011, the Spanish Cooperation initiated a partnership with the Commission on Human Right of the Philippines (CHR) and funded a project with the objective of strengthening the role of the CHR to better promote and protect the Human Rights in the country and expand its presence at the regional, municipal and community levels. The Gender Ombud Guidelines have been established as an output of this project. The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation is pleased to collaborate with the CHR on the establishment of the Gender Ombud in the Country as mandated under the Magna Carta on Women. This is considered a milestone in the protection and promotion of the rights of all women in the country. Under this law, efforts in the development of plans, policies, programs, measures and mechanisms to address discrimination and inequality in the economic, political, social and cultural well-being of women shall be led by the State/ Government. The Spanish Cooperation is honoured to support the state in this immense undertaking. VICENTE SELLÉS ZARAGOZI Country Director Spanish Development Cooperation in the Philippines CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines