grticipate in community activities, and develop their i mmunication skills.’ as well as on non-discrimination, The general policy statements in the Constitution and the Labor Code demonstrate , ‘The Women's Business Council of the Philippines snsors entrepreneurial development courses and self-confident, more active government's commitments to the for erentiy-abled women and business improvement snd survival courses for women-entrepreneurs. sduates of these programs were found to be fe ore assertive the principles embodied in these Conventions. in munity activities, more decisive and more aware heir rights as women and entrepreneurs. 141. Article 135 of the Labor Code prohibits discrimination in respect to the terms and conditions of employment on account of sex. Article 136 prohibits discrimination by reason of marriage while Art.137 prohibits discrimination on account of pregnancy. The Code also imposes penalties for violations of these provisions. . The TESDA Women's 198 to Center was established in contribute to the improvement of the socio- -gnomic status of women through training, research and advocacy. The Center conducts technology-based ‘ining and empowerment/sacial skills training that -ster to the urban iral areas, women rorkers, wives of poor women, women from the youth, returning women migrant overseas workers/seamen, and women displaced workers.‘ 142. However, the Labor Code allows certain forms of discrimination based on biological or other relevant considerations.* 143. Republic Act 6725 strengthens the prohibition of discrimination against women with respect to terms and conditions of employment, promotion and training opportunities. ie Fo: Other activities that aim to improve productivity ce as follows - (a) dissemination of knowledge/ technology to the rural poor; (b) increasing budgetary support to Research and Development and field extension work; (c) extensive promotion of mariculture activities with mangroves and fish sanctuaries; (d) government financial institutions’ financing for state universities & colleges demonstration projects like those provided by the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines; and (e) free patent search for dissemination to small-medium 144. Pursuant to the provisions of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, government agencies have established their respective Committees on Decorum and Investigation to address complaints of sexual harassment within their respective offices. These Committees are tasked to identify the different acts and forms of sexual harassment, provide for rules concerning the disposition of cases and provide for the proper penalty depending on the form and gravity of the offense. enterprises. 2.d Measures adopted to ensure that there is Se freedom of choice in employment 140. The Philippines Is a State party to the core ILO Conventions on equality of opportunity and treatment 145. For the private sector, DOLE requires compliance with certain provisions of the law, including the posting of a copy of the law within office premises, promulgation of company policy on sexual harassment and the creation of a Committee on Decorum and Investigation to handle cases of sexual harassment. —— 3 |, 4 From 1995 to 1999, a total of 164,821 disadvantaged women were served nationwide. Of the women pacuates, a total of 115,374 were absorbed in the abor force either through self or open employment, sheltered workshop/community manufacturing or sub- Contract jobs, The technology-based training has the following levels: re-employment training (4-6 months); skills upgradin 1-2 months); comprehensive trainers training (8 months); and training methodology (80 hours), This training program covers both the traditional (food Processing, crafts-gifts and housewares, garments, and hote and restaurant management and nontraditional (automotive, ceramics, electronics, jewelry, and metals/welding) courses. Since its establishment in 1998, the TWC has produced 1,569 graduates in pre- employment skills training. The empowerment/social Skills training include entrepreneurship development, ender sensitivity, leadership, work ethics and values evelopment, cooperative development, community organizing, and advocacy and social marketing. 5 For instance, affirmative measures are in place to ensure that women workers enjoy protection by reason of gender. Art. 132 of the Code limits the employment of women in certain forms of night-work. Article 138 ensures that women workers are afforded adequate facilities and standards to ensure their safety and health, Art. 139 provides that a woman nightclub, cocktail similar establishment such establishment lounge, for massage be considered purposes working in a clinic, bar or as employee of of labor and social legislation. For health reasons, Article 139 provides for the minimum employable age years old and limits the number the day they may be employed. that young workers under 18 of young workers at 15 of hours and periods of The law is also specific years old may not be employed in undertakings ofa hazardous or deleterious nature. Because of their station or piece of work, Article 135 provides for the protection of the rights of industrial home workers, particularly with regard to the standards established by the Secretary of Labor to ensure their general welfare and protection, PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT'S 2ND TO 4TH PERIODIC REPORT 77