The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) conducted the MGB Gender and Development (GAD) Forum 2024 (Batch 3) last August 21-22 via Microsoft Teams.
The 2-day online forum was attended by 79 employees from the MGB Central Office and regional offices. It aims to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and productive work environment, and educate continuously about gender diversity, gender roles and the importance of equality can help prevent gender-based harassment and discrimination, in and out of the workplace.
Day 1 started with the presentation of the rationale and objectives by the Moderating and Training Team, followed by the Pre-Test as answered by the participants.
During the morning session, Independent Gender Specialist Mr. Pent Elyria Dawn V. Liongson oriented the participants on Basic GAD Concepts and Gender Mainstreaming”, and discussed “Understanding SOGIESC” during the afternoon session.
Both topics aimed for the participants to have a better understanding of the relevant laws on protecting the safety not only of women but of everyone, in the workplace and the community, as a whole.
Day 1 concluded with the Synthesis of the Activities and Reminders moderated by the GFPS.
On the other hand, Day 2 commenced with the recap of the Day 1 activities by the GAD Secretariat.
Mr. Liongson then discussed the Use of Gender-Fair and Non-Heterosexist Language, in which he talked about dismantling possible gender stereotypes and biases that each person holds consciously or unconsciously.
Meanwhile, Atty. Jade A. Lorenzo from the Legal Service Division of MGB tackled the salient features of GAD-related laws and policies such as Republic Act No. 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), Republic Act No. 9262 or An Act Defining Violence Against Women and their Children, Providing for Protective Measures for Victims, and the Civil Service Commission Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases according to CSC Resolution No. 01-0940, dated May 21, 2001 as amended by CSC Memorandum Circular No. 11, Series of 2021.
The event concluded with a photo opportunity, a synthesis, and a closing message by the GAD training team.
As part of the goals of the GFPS to conduct GAD Training and refreshers for all the MGB employees, batch 4 of the GAD Forum will be held this September.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division