Manila, Oct. 31 -- Empowering women is essential not only in advancing equality but also in laying the foundation for lasting peace, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said true peace cannot exist without women who help restore communities affected by conflict through leadership, compassion and resilience, according to a news release on Friday.

Women's leadership is indispensable in healing communities torn by conflict, she said in her keynote address during the 2025 Philippine Conference on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Oct. 28 to 30.

"Empowered women play a vital role in laying the foundation of enduring peace," Pangandaman said

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