PHILIPPINES

Closing the Gap: Advancing Gender Equality in Property Rights in the Philippines

Rhea Lyn Dealca

The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024 offers a mix of optimism and reality. Globally, 68.4% of the gender gap has been closed, while the Philippines has emerged as a regional leader, ranking 25th out of 146 countries with a gender parity score of 77.9%. This puts the country ahead in Southeast Asia, surpassing Singapore (48th), Thailand (65th), and Vietnam (72nd).

Much of the Philippines' success stems from its legal framework that promotes gender equality in property rights—an essential but often overlooked factor in economic empowerment. Yet, the report also underscores persistent gaps highlighting the complexities of achieving true parity.

The Philippines stands out in the region for its strong legal protection of women's property rights. The Philippine Constitution guarantees gender equality in owning, managing, and selling property, reinforced by landmark legislation like the Magna Charta of Women, which promotes equality in land ownership and agrarian reform programs. This robust legal framework has enabled many Filipino women to secure titles, access credit, and achieve financial independence.

Specific measures have also addressed systemic barriers. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Administrative Order (AO) No. 2002-13, removed discriminatory provisions in public land applications. Similarly, agrarian reform policies, like Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) AO No. 2011-01, ensure women’s equal rights in land registration and access to services. Indigenous women benefit from the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, which safeguards their land rights and participation in decision-making.

However, gaps remain. Critics argue that the absence of gender-sensitive language and processes in public land laws limits equitable access. Moreover, administrative guidelines often fall short of addressing the unique challenges women face, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.

DENR data from 2009 to 2023 highlights steady progress in gender equity for property rights. The reports show that women's share of free patents has increased, narrowing the male-to-female ratio to an average of 56% to 44%. This indicates a growing gender balance in the issuance of free patents.

However, the picture of agrarian reform is starkly different. between 2000 and 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority reports that women made up, on average, only 33% of the beneficiaries of Emancipation Patents and Certificates of Land Ownership Agreements. This significant disparity highlights the deeper systemic barrier, ranging from cultural norms to institutional biases that persistently impede women’s full participation in land ownership.

Property ownership is not just a matter of legal entitlement, it is a tool for women empowerment. Land titles provide women with the collateral to access credit, start businesses, and invest in their families’ futures. The ability to manage resources independently fosters financial stability and strengthens their role in decision-making, both within households and in communities. This ripple effect supports broader economic growth and social development.

The progress made under RA 10023 and RA 11573, which simplified the processes for residential and agricultural administrative land titling, shows how policy reforms can drive meaningful change. Yet, these gains must be protected and expanded. Bridging gender gaps in agrarian reform, for instance, will require targeted measures to address the historical disadvantages women farmers face.

The Philippines’ leadership in closing the gender gap in Southeast Asia is commendable, but challenges remain. Legal protections and policies are only as effective as their implementation. Achieving true gender parity will require not just maintaining progress but also addressing the underlying barriers that limit women’s access to land and property. This means enhancing gender-sensitive provisions in public land laws, investing in awareness campaigns to encourage women's participation in land titling programs, and ensuring equitable distribution of agrarian reform benefits.

Rhea Lyn Dealca is the Director of Projects and Administration at the Foundation for Economic Freedom, Quezon City.