In celebration of the 2023 National Women’s Month, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office IV-A (DOLE CALABARZON) officially launched its Gender and Development (GAD) Library in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 22.

Present in the ceremony were DOLE CALABARZON officials led by Regional Director, Atty. Ma. Karina B. Perida-Trayvilla, Provincial Directors, and Division Heads. The Regional GAD Library houses various informative materials on Gender Responsiveness, including laws and policies, women’s rights brochures, reports on gender issues, etc. The library will also serve as a bulletin for all of the Regional Offices’ activities and programs on GAD.

The ceremony was followed by a short program to recognize the winners of the recently held Search for Best GAD Corner. In the said activity, Provincial Offices were tasked to establish their own GAD Corner that conforms with the 2023 National Women’s Month theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society”. With more than a month to prepare, the Provincial Offices showcased their creativity in designing each of their GAD Corners. Each GAD Corner was visited by invited judges: Ms. Jonnalyn S. Calipay from the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), Ms. Maria Elena A. De Belen from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and the Regional Office’s Mediator-Arbiter, Atty. Rosita C. Villaluz.

After evaluating the GAD Corners, the judges were able to name the winners of the GAD Corner. Quezon Provincial Office was named Grand Winner, Batangas Provincial Office was 1st Runner Up, and Rizal Provincial Office was 2nd Runner Up. The winners received a plaque of recognition and tokens. Regional and Provincial GAD Focals were also recognized for their work in making the launching of their GAD Corner and Library possible.

With all the hard work and dedication put into establishing the GAD Corner and Library, RD Trayvilla hopes that the employees become more aware and familiar with Gender issues, especially those related to labor and employment. She then calls on the employees to advocate for more programs that include women.


By:

JEAN ANDREA D. GALANG
Administrative Officer IV