The Department of National Defense (DND) has conducted an agency-wide orientation to strengthen gender awareness, inclusivity, and safe workplace practices among its personnel.
The Gender and Development orientation was held on May 29 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, with employees from DND Proper and its bureaus attending in person and through video conference.
The discussions covered key GAD concepts, the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere program, and Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act.
Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Dick Diolola said the annual activity provides an important venue for advancing gender equity and advocacy across the defense sector.
“This orientation provides a crucial platform for deeper embedding gender equity and advocacy across the Department, and more importantly, throughout the entire defense sector,” he said.
Donna Althea Llusala, acting GAD coordinator, discussed basic GAD concepts and current gender issues in the country, while Neville Joy Reyes of the Military Personnel Division highlighted the importance of recognizing the role of women in peace, security, and nation-building.
In the afternoon session, Fortune John Dimla, head of the MOVE DND Proper Sub-Chapter Committee, discussed the role of men in preventing violence against women. Atty. Jordanna Gange-Arancillo of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Services also explained the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law.
Undersecretary for Administration Gavin Edjawan, representing DND GAD Focal Point System chairperson Irineo Espino, said building an inclusive workplace requires shared responsibility across the department.
“When we commit to the values of respect, equality, and compassion, we create a fabric of culture that is safe, protective, and resilient for every member of our Department,” he said.
DND said the orientation forms part of its continuing efforts to promote a safe, equal, gender-responsive, and inclusive workplace.