SDO SAN JUAN CITY CONDUCTS 2019 DIVISION GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD) ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
SDO San Juan City conducted the 2019 Division Gender and Development (GAD) Enhancement Program last May 17-18, 2019 at G Beach Resort, Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan. A total of 52 SDO personnel spearheaded by Dr. Alejandro G. Ibañez, OIC-SDS attended the activity.
The two-day GAD Enhancement Program aimed to educate the Schools Division Personnel on gender equality, sexuality and reproductive health. Moreover, a great deal of unnecessary conflict at works occurs due to miscommunication, misplaced expectations or insensitivity. Thus, this seminar was geared towards resolving conflicts and building harmonious relationships among the participants for a positive working atmosphere and productive work.
The Opening Program started with the Inspirational Message delivered by Dr. Alejandro G. Ibañez. It was followed by Statement of Purpose given by Dr. Helen G. Padilla, Chief-Curriculum Implementation Division.
Mr. Dominique T. Rivera, Senior Education Specialist served as the resource speaker for session 1: Social Construction and Gender. It was one of the most talked about topics because it dealt largely on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) with illustrations on how such expressions oftentimes violate a person’s rights.
Dr. Susana S. Luceño, Education Program Supervisor for MAPEH was the discussant for the topic “Sexuality”. She started her talk with a game where the participants had a clearer understanding of the words “Sex” and “Gender”.
Dr. Emma A. Sendiong, Education Program Supervisor for Guidance/EsP and Division GAD Focal Person gave the latest updates on Child Protection Policy and this included the Anti-Bullying and Child Abuse Report of DepEd.
Mr. Allan Eliezer M. Mal-In, Administrative Officer V, discussed the “Magna Carta of Women” (RA 9710). He explained in a simple language the significance of women protection under this law because of the apparent physical limitations of women in performing works normally accorded to men. Nevertheless, he also emphasized that women can be as competent as men in other areas.
The succeeding hours of the day were spent on the preparation of the four groups vying for Mr. and Ms. GAD 2019 Title. The contestants were judged according to their costumes that should be in consonance with the GAD theme, talent showcase and the most awaited question and answer portion. After a tough deliberation by the judges, Ms. Realeila R. Santos (Blue Team) and Mr. Zaide D. Rocillo (White Team) emerged as Mr. and Ms. GAD 2019 respectively.
On the second day of the program, the SDO employees continued the team building activities in different places of the resort. Throughout the sessions of the games, it was observed that the key word for the winning groups is TEAM SPIRIT.
In closing, the expected outcome of the two-day GAD activity is the application of the gained knowledge and information that could hopefully address sensitive gender issues and become productive and efficient employees in workplace.
Article written by:
Emma A. Sendiong (Education Program Supervisor)
