Mining stakeholders and employees of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources participated in a 3-day forum on Gender and Development (GAD) with the theme "Understanding laws, rules and regulations related to Gender and Development for Mining Stakeholders and MGB Employees". The said forum took place via Zoom Webinar and streamed live on the MGB Facebook page from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on August 17, 18, and 20.

The forum was opened by MGB Assistant Director Engr. Roland A. De Jesus. This was followed by sessions spearheaded by two renowned speakers from their respective fields. One of which is Dr. Ferdinand Gonzales, a technical assistance provider for the Local Civil Society. He also has a doctorate degree in Development Administration, whilst holding a master’s degree in Community Development, and another in Social and Development Studies. Currently, he is a member of the National Gender and Development Resource Pool.

In his talk, Dr. Gonzalez shed light on international GAD mandates among the likes of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Beijing Platform for Action. From a local standpoint, Dr. Gonzales also discussed RA 7192 or the Women in Nation-Building Act, RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, and Revised Penal Code on Acts of Lasciviousness, Adultery, and Concubinage among others.

On the other hand, Ms. Vichel RS Jugilion-Pangan is a certified trainer of the Philippine Commission on Women, serving as one of the validators of the GADtimapala Awards. She is a reputable professional in the industry for her vast amount of experiences, and in turn, the former Planning Officer of the Philippine Commission on Women Policy Development & Advocacy Division and the Technical Services Division. At present, she provides the community with assistance on human rights violence against women, Gender Sensitivity Training, Gender-senstivice Language, Gender Analysis (GA), and other GA Tools.

Ms. Pangan’s lecture centered on local GAD laws such as the Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development, Women’s Empowerment, Development and Gender Equality and Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Plan, and the General Appropriations Act. Furthermore, Ma’am Panga discussed other issuances surrounding GAD such as the Gender Ombud Guidelines, Women’s Month Celebration Policy Issuances, and Gender-Fair Language Guidelines.

The forum was closed by a speech from the Chair of MGB GAD Focal Point System, Ms. Liz Cherry D. Solijon.

MGB Asst. Director Engr. Roland A. De Jesus during his opening remarks

GAD webinar host introducing guest lecturer Dr. Ferdinand Gonzales

Day 1 recap of the GAD Webinar

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division