Plan International Pilipinas, Quezon City launch partnership to advance girls’ rights, leadership

Plan International Pilipinas and the Quezon City Government have joined forces to advance programs protecting girls and opening wider pathways to education, safety, livelihood, and leadership. The collaboration forms part of the #StandWithGirls campaign for the 2025 International Day of the Girl, amplifying calls for long-term investment in young women’s well-being and participation in decision-making spaces.

Plan International Pilipinas executive director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang said the partnership reflects a shared duty to ensure girls are heard and supported amid rising digital risks, climate threats, and barriers to quality learning and decent work. She stressed that Filipina youth deserve platforms that enable them to thrive and lead in shaping future policies.

QC highlights expanded programs for safety and skills

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reaffirmed the city’s commitment to gender-responsive governance, citing initiatives that strengthen adolescent support, education, and protection. These include menstrual and adolescent health campaigns, assistance for young mothers, and anti-online sexual exploitation programs.

The city also continues to widen opportunities through scholarships, livelihood and skills programs like Pangkabuhayang QC and Digital Beauty Academy, and youth-focused engagement platforms encouraging leadership and advocacy across communities.

Belmonte emphasized that empowering girls fuels broader social development, promising continued support for policies safeguarding their rights and opportunities.

Youth voices front and center at Girls Summit

The partnership announcement coincided with the Girls Summit, which gathered more than 400 youth leaders from across the country. Delegates unveiled a Girls’ Agenda outlining priority policy points for government and private-sector action and formally launched the National Girls’ Network to sustain advocacy beyond the event.

Young Filipina representatives said the summit marks a turning point for youth participation, allowing girls to push for reforms in online safety, economic empowerment, and climate resilience. Officials from the Council for the Welfare of Children and the National Youth Commission accepted the Girls’ Agenda on behalf of national agencies.

International partners, government leaders, and industry representatives also joined panel discussions addressing digital security, crisis preparedness, and career pathways for young women.