MANILA, March 21 -- The Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Filipino women migrating from their town of origin, specifically to other countries.

At a 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) side event in New York on Wednesday (Manila time), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Undersecretary Girlie Amarillo said the Philippines has made great strides in advancing women's rights and women empowerment but pointed out the gaps and challenges that still need to be addressed, especially those faced by farmers, indigenous women, and migrants.

Amarillo said the latest census data shows that more than half of all migrants in the Philippines are women who are at higher risk for...