Acknowledgment vii AC K N O W L EDG M EN T T he Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its deep appreciation and thanks to all those who contributed their time, effort, and knowledge in the conceptualization and publication of the CHR Gender and Development Ombud Guidelines: The Legal and Investigation Office, the lead office designated by the Fourth Commission to draft the Guidelines; and the Women’s Human Rights Center for coordination with the concerned national agencies, non-government organizations, and experts; the CHR Gender Focal Point System Technical Working Group at the Central Office. The researchers and writers: Atty. Flora C. Atilano, Atty. Krissi Shaffina Twyla A. Rubin, Atty. Diana B. de Leon, Atty. Liezl Z. Parajas, Atty. Rexford Dy Guevara, Atty. Arlene A. Ven, Atty. Gemma F. Parojinog, Atty. Florante N. Enciso, Atty. Sheena G.Usquiza-Binarao, Atty. Laila Antonio, Dr. Joseph Andrew Jimenez, Ms. Jocelyn Reyes, and Mr. Darwin Simpelo. Atty. Banuar Reuben A. Falcon and Ms. Aileeen Estoqia, for the editing; and CHR-Gender Ombud Consultant Prof. Carolyn Sobritchea; Ms. Lourdes Marina “Lody” Padilla-Espenida and Ms. Shella Laggui of the CHR-AECID Fortaleza Project Management Office for copyreading and proofreading; and Ms. Marie Aldeguer for the initial layout. For the administrative support: Ms. Renerosa G. Arca, Ms. Diana M. Figueras, Ms. Ursula Celis, Ms. Hermelina Genova, and Mr. Roberto Diaz. The officers of the Philippine Commission on Women led by its Executive Director, Emmeline Versoza, for providing their expertise and technical support. All other national government agencies and non-government organizations who participated in the series of consultations and provided comments and inputs. Finally, the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional y Desarollo (AECID) for its support in the publication of this Guidelines. CHR-Regional Gender Consultants: Atty. Jasmin Navarro-Regino and Atty. Marylyn Pintor. LORETTA ANN P. ROSALES Chairperson CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines