PHILIPPINES WPS EXPERTS CIRCLE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

aXXelerate, with support from Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, kicked off a comprehensive Philippine WPS Experts Circle Mentorship Program that pairs defense sector personnel with experienced mentors to strengthen WPS implementation across the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard. The program includes intensive in-person training sessions covering foundational WPS principles, gender mainstreaming in military operations, policy development, and strategic planning. The first cohort (out of 3 planned cohorts) had meetings in March, June, and October 2025 focused on practical application of gender perspectives in defense contexts. The WPS Experts Network Program has also been building partnerships with civil society organizations to monitor the implementation of the Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security through collaborative reporting efforts.