MANILA: MARCH 4, 2005 - The national survey conducted by Social Weather Stations for the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) found strong belief that women are better peacemakers, with both Filipino men and women sharing the same opinion. Nationwide support for women's participation in the peace process is equally high among both Filipino men and women (67% and 65%, respectively). Three out of five (62%) Filipinos agree that "women must be represented in the peace panel of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF."

Over half (58%) nationwide agree that "a woman has more talent than a man to find a way to settle a conflict without resorting to violence."

However, on whether "women are more effective than men in preventing conflict," the nationwide opinion is split, with 38% agree, 21% undecided, and 38% disagree.

The National Survey on the Participation of Women in Peace, Governance and Development was implemented from October 19 to November 2, 2004 with a sample size of 1,440 for the Mindanao Commission on Women, sponsored by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) through the Philippines-Australia Governance Facility (PAGF).