PCIC Regional Office 5 officers and staff attended an in-house seminar on various aspects of gender and development in December last year.

The seminar aimed to deepen understanding why respecting the rights of women and children is everyone’s obligation; provide participants with the necessary knowledge and relevant skills and values to fully contribute to the effective implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) program; and guide participants on the different legal and safety measures in case one becomes a victim.   

Seminar speaker, Commission on Human Rights Region 5 Promotion and Advocacy Chief Nelia Almonte, emphasized the GAD message that everyone should have equal opportunities, rights and representation, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, race, and age.

”Lahat ng tao may pantay-pantay na karapatan. Kahit nga ‘yung mga kriminal, mayroon [pa rin] silang karapatan  sa loob at paglabas nila ng kulungan. Binibigyan pa rin sila ng pantay na representasyon at oportunidad na magbago,” Ms. Almonte told the PCIC employees in the seminar held on December 22, 2023 in Legazpi City.   

With increased awareness, RO 5 aims to contribute to the prevention of physical, sexual, and emotional violence among women and children.