Published: 15 March 2024

In celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through the PFDA - Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS), organized a Gender Sensitivity Orientation 2024 to boost women empowerment on March 15, 2024 at the PFDA Central Office Building, Quezon City.

This one-day activity is part of the PFDA’s month-long celebration of women that bears the recurring theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” and sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!”

PFDA-GFPS Overall Technical Working Group (TWG) Head and Operations Services Department (OSD) Officer-in-Charge Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II served as the resource speaker for the GSO. 

Mr. Macaranas said that oversimplification of gender roles is the marginalization of the underrepresented and this can affect their rights and put them in future danger. He also said, “This gender sensitivity orientation may provide new information for everyone, but hopefully, this GSO can open a sense of curiosity and create a room for discussion about gender and development among your peers.”

“We can all start by being more critical with what is happening around us. And more importantly, let us treat everyone with kindness and respect,” Mr. Macaranas added.

Mr. Macaranas discussed various topics, such as the difference between sex and gender and the fundamentals of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC). The participants also had an in-depth discussion about gender stereotyping in various institutions and gender as a social construct.

Sixteen newly hired PFDA employees actively participated in the workshop about various ways to address gender-based stereotypes in the workplace and promote safe spaces for all.

Prior to this workshop, the PFDA-GFPS held a 2024 NWMC Film Showing where participants enjoyed an award-winning film that tackles unfair treatment of women in the workplace and gender-based violence. The movie also highlighted the capability of women to stand their ground and protect themselves from the harsh patriarchal society and unjust acts brought by toxic masculinity. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez - Public Information Division)