Economic empowerment is the key to unlocking gender equality and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 💜 QWARTA Career Development and Professional Skills Workshop of LGBTIA+ Individuals in Mindanao. ‍🌈

March 25 to 26 | Grand Astoria Hotel, this city. 

The Gender and Development Services has given its support for the Queer Workforces Advance and Resource Training Alliance (QWARTA), a project led by Mindanao Pride in consortium with Mujer LGBT Organization. The project aims to train members of the LGBTQIA+ Community in Zamboanga City to be equipped with skills for professional development that will help them in their job seeking journey. The training was held for two days, March 25 to 26 at Grand Astoria Hotel, this city. 

We congratulate all our participants, as well as the organizing team for making this activity possible, continuing initiatives that promotes meaningful and sustainable inclusion. 

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#2025  #GADvocates #GADZamboanga #QWARTA #lgbtqiacommunity

Promoting Equality, Strengthening Unity: Gender Mainstreaming in the Military for a Stronger, More Inclusive Force.

March 12-13, 2025 | Officer's Clubhouse WESTMINCOM

The Gender and Development Services through its City GAD Focal, Mr. Wilfredo Aporongao provided technical assistance during Western Mindanao Command Headquarters' Gender Analysis (GA) and Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Workshop (GMEF) Orientation held March 12 to 13, 2025 at Officer's Clubhouse WESTMINCOM, Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City. 

"The Command believes that the conduct of these GAD Activities to military personnel and Civilian Human Resources is important as this is a timely and more relevant pursuit associated to preventive education activity. It also aims to raise awareness on the importance of the support towards ending all forms of violence. identified as one of the gender issues in the AFP due to lack of opportunity to understand their roles in ending this social problem."

We continue to foster Gender Mainstreaming, especially to the management and front liners of the security sector, to raise awareness and understanding especially as they deal and, have encounters with their respective communities. This will also encourage frontliners to be aware of gender issues when delivering public services, ensuring that both women and men, as well as gender minorities, are treated fairly and equally.

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#GADvocates #GADOrientation #GenderMainstreaming #WESTMINCOM #GADperspective #GADLens #GMEF #GenderAnalysis

Empowered women empower the world. 💪

March 27, 2025 | the Ayala Gymnasium

The Gender and Development Service of the Office of the City Mayor, through Communications Officer, Ms. Rizza Joy Albar,  provided technical assitance on Women Empowerment during the JCI Zamboanga's muHEROes: MUjer, Honor, Esperanza, Resiliencia con Opportunidad, Equidad y Sostenabilidad as part of the JCI Pinay Power National Project in celebration of the 2025 Women's Month on March 27, 2025 at the Ayala Gymnasium, Ayala, Zamboanga City

The Pinay Power is a dynamic national initiative focused on empowering, developing, and advancing Filipina women across multiple sectors, including business, education, and community leadership.

The event brought together 200 participants, who were inspired and empowered with knowledge on women empowerment and financial literacy. The attendees were empowered to embrace new opportunities, break down barriers, and create a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.

Junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#2025  #GADvocates #GADZamboanga #WomensMonthCelebration2025 #NWMC

Creating Safe Spaces: Fostering Inclusion, Respect, and Support for All. 💜 The Department of Agrarian Reform's Seminar on Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313) known as the "Bawal Bastos Law" and Magna Carta of Women (R.A. 9710).

March 27, 2025 | Garden Orchid Hotel

The Gender and Development Services through City GAD Focal, Mr.  Wilfredo Aporongao, provided technical assitance to Department of Agrarian Reform Region IX during their Seminar on Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law (RA 11313) and Magna Carta of Women (RA9710) held on March 27, 2025 at Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboang City, in celebration of the National Women's Month 2025. 

The seminar aims to raise awareness about sexual harrasment and its implications, thereby fostering a culture of respect and safety in the workplace. The departement wants to create a social shift towards preventing acts of sexual harassment for the overall wellbeing of its employees. 

We congrualte the Department of Agrarian Reform Region IX for the success conduct of the activity and we commend the initiatives taken in being with us in the advocacy of Gender Equality and Safe Spaces!

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#2025  #GADvocates #GADZamboanga #DepartmentofAgrarianReformPH #SafeSpacesForAll #MagnaCartaofWomen #RA11313 #RA9710

Here's to the incredible power of working moms! 💪 Forum on Enhanced Parenting Roles of Working Women 

 March 13, 2025 | KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Activity Area

As part of the celebration of National Women’s Month 2025, the Office of the Social Welfare and Development - Population Division, in partnership with the Gender and Development Services (GADS) of the Office of the City Mayor, Local Council of Women (LCW) Zamboanga Chapter, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), ZUELLIG Family Foundation-TCI, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), successfully conducted the Forum on Enhanced Parenting Roles of Working Women.

The event brought together working mothers and women from both the informal sector and private agencies, representing various barangays within a 7-km radius of the city.

The topics discussed were:

The Psychology Behind the Diff Types of Parenting Styles by Dr. Lolina N. Bajin, RpPsy; Coping with Parenting Challenges by Ms Joy Enriquez, Focal for Family Welfare, DOLE; and RPFP And FP Education by Ms. Susan Flores, CSWDO The forum focused on understanding the challenges working women face in balancing parenting and career demands, especially with current generational trends. It also explored how different parenting styles affect children's development, aiming to empower women with the knowledge and support to excel in both their careers and family life.

Celebrate the strength, resilience, and the limitless power of womanhood this National Women’s Month. 

Be one with us in this campaign! Vene ya y junto-junto kita celebra! Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas! 

 #WEcanbeEquALL #EmpoweredMujeres #PurpleFridays #GADinAction #WEcanbeEquALL 

Photos: CSWDO Population Services Division 

Building a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone! Gender Sensitivity Orientation for Department of Health - Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development.

March 10, 2025 | DOH ZPCHD Conference Room, Upper Calarian

The Gender and Development Services, through City GAD Focal Mr Wilfredo Aporongao provided technical assistance to DOH ZPCHS Employees in a Gender and Development Sensitivity Training held March 10, 2025 at DOH ZPCHD Conference Room, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City. 

"The activity aims to create awareness and equip the employees with the knowledge needed to contribute to a more gender-inclusive and equitable society."

Congratulations DOH ZPCHS for taking the step forward in Gender Mainstreaming, understanding gender equality, addressing biases, and promoting respect can transform workplaces and communities. 

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#GADvocates #GADOrientation #GenderMainstreaming #WESTMINCOM #GADperspective #GADLens

Integrating gender perspectives into the security sector: fostering inclusivity, equality, and stronger communities.

March 5-6, 2025 | Officer's Club House WESTMINCOM

The Gender and Development Services through its City GAD Focal, Mr. Wilfredo Aporongao provided technical assistance during Western Mindanao Command Headquarters' Gender Responsive Training (GST) and Decorum and Investigation Orientation held March 5 to 6, 2025 at Officer's Clubhouse WESTMINCOM, Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City. 

"The Command believes that the conduct of these GAD Activities to military personnel and Civilian Human Resources is important as this is a timely and more relevant pursuit associated to preventive education activity. It also aims to raise awareness on the importance of the support towards ending all forms of violence. identified as one of the gender issues in the AFP due to lack of opportunity to understand their roles in ending this social problem."

We continue to foster Gender Mainstreaming, especially to the management and front liners of the security sector, to raise awareness and understanding especially as they deal and, have encounters with their respective communities. This will also encourage frontliners to be aware of gender issues when delivering public services, ensuring that both women and men, as well as gender minorities, are treated fairly and equally.

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#GADvocates #GADOrientation #GenderMainstreaming #WESTMINCOM #GADperspective #GADLens

Empowering employees through an inclusive perspective on gender, promoting equality and sustainable development in the City Government of Zamboanga 

March 24, 2025 | Conference Room, City Human Resource Management Office

The City Government of Zamboanga, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Services, conducted a Gender and Development Orientation for newly hired and promoted employees  held March 24, 2025 at Conference Room, City Human Resource Management Office-ZC. This initiative ensures that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge and awareness necessary to foster a gender-sensitive and inclusive workplace. 

The orientation covered essential topics, including GAD Basics, which provided an overview of the foundations of GAD. Employees were also briefed on the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) to reinforce knowledge against gender-based harassment in public spaces and workplaces. 

Additionally, the session tackled the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting individuals from discrimination based on gender and other social factors. The discussion on the Use of Gender-Fair Language further encouraged employees to adopt inclusive and non-discriminatory communication in the workplace.

Through this orientation, the City Government underscores its dedication to upholding gender equality and fostering a respectful and empowering work environment. By equipping employees with these essential principles, the city continues to pave the way for an inclusive, safe, and gender-responsive public service. 

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#2025  #GADvocates #GADZamboanga #CGZNewlyHired #CGZPromotedEmployees

Empowering employees through an inclusive perspective on gender, promoting equality and sustainable development in the City Government of Zamboanga 

March 14, 2025 | Conference Room, City Human Resource Management Office

The City Government of Zamboanga, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Services, conducted a Gender and Development Orientation for newly hired and promoted employees  held March 14, 2025 at Conference Room, City Human Resource Management Office-ZC. This initiative ensures that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge and awareness necessary to foster a gender-sensitive and inclusive workplace. 

The orientation covered essential topics, including GAD Basics, which provided an overview of the foundations of GAD. Employees were also briefed on the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) to reinforce knowledge against gender-based harassment in public spaces and workplaces. 

Additionally, the session tackled the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting individuals from discrimination based on gender and other social factors. The discussion on the Use of Gender-Fair Language further encouraged employees to adopt inclusive and non-discriminatory communication in the workplace.

Through this orientation, the City Government underscores its dedication to upholding gender equality and fostering a respectful and empowering work environment. By equipping employees with these essential principles, the city continues to pave the way for an inclusive, safe, and gender-responsive public service. 

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#2025  #GADvocates #GADZamboanga

#CGZNewlyHired #CGZPromotedEmployees

Empowering employees through an inclusive perspective on gender, promoting equality and sustainable development in the City Government of Zamboanga

Febuary 17, 2025 | CHRMO Conference Room

The City Government of Zamboanga, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Services, conducted a Gender and Development Orientation for newly hired and promoted employees (20 Males, 15 Females) held February 17, 2025 at Conference Room, City Human Resource Management Office-ZC. This initiative ensures that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge and awareness necessary to foster a gender-sensitive and inclusive workplace.

The orientation covered essential topics, including GAD Basics, which provided an overview of the foundations of GAD. Employees were also briefed on the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) to reinforce knowledge against gender-based harassment in public spaces and workplaces.

Additionally, the session tackled the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting individuals from discrimination based on gender and other social factors. The discussion on the Use of Gender-Fair Language further encouraged employees to adopt inclusive and non-discriminatory communication in the workplace.

Through this orientation, the City Government underscores its dedication to upholding gender equality and fostering a respectful and empowering work environment. By equipping employees with these essential principles, the city continues to pave the way for an inclusive, safe, and gender-responsive public service.

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero! ⛵

#2025  #GADvocates #GADZamboanga #CGZNewlyHired #CGZPromotedEmployees

SAFER WOMEN ZAMBOANGA: Strengthening the Capacities of Barangays in Handling Violence Against Women (VAW) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Cases Batch 1- 5

October 1 to 30, 2024

Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City

As we continue to strengthen the capacity of Zamboanga City in handling cases of VAW, GBV and Trafficking in Persons, the Safer Women Project will be implemented to the remaining barangays of the city. There will be five batches, accomodating 91 barangays.

The pilot run for the Safe, Fair-Environment, and Responsive Barangays for Women (SAFER Women) in Zamboanga was held last March 12-14, 2024 at Garden Orchid Hotel to seven pilot barangays (Vitali, Curuan, Cabaluay, San Jose Gusu, Calarian, Recodo and Boalan).

We thank the following barangays for their participation and commitment for SAFER WOMEN in Zamboanga City:

Batch 1: Ayala, Baluno, Cawit, La Paz, Labuan, Limpapa, Maasin, Pamucutan, Patalon, Sinubong, Sinunuc, Talisayan, Sangali, Talon-Talon, Tumaga, Baliwasan, Mampang, Zone II

Batch 2: Pasonanca, San Roque, Lapakan, Malagutay, Capisan, Canelar, Mariki, Rio Hondo, San Jose Cawa-Cawa, Dulian-Upper Pasonanca, Tulungatung, Sta. Barbara, Sto. Niño, Zone I, Zone III, Zone IV, Arena blanco, and ampo Islam

Batch 3: Divisoria, Guiwan, Kasanyangan, Lumbangan, Lunzuran, Putik, Sta. Catalina, Cabatangan, Tetuan, Tugbungan, Cacao, Culianan, Talabaan, Lanzones, Sta. Maria, Camino Nuevo, Mercedes, Pasobolong

Batch 4: Salaan, Tolosa, Zambowood, Busay, Landang Gua, Landang Laum, Manalipa, Pangapuyan, Pasilmanta, Guisao, Taluksangay, Tigtabon, Tumalutab, Lumayang, Bunguiao, Calabasa, Dita and,Dulian-Upper Bunguiao

Batch 4: Lamisahan, Latuan, Lubigan, Panubigan, Quiniput, Manicahan, Victoria, Buenavista, Licomo, Limaong, Mangusu, Muti, Sibulao, Tagasilay, Taguiti, Tictapul, Tigbalabag, Tumitus, and, Bolong.

We also thank our pool of Resource Persons in the three-day activity:

1. Pros. Iris May T. Mendoza-Macrohon

Associate City Prosecutor

Office of the City Prosecutor - Zamboanga City

2. KENNY IVAN L. BUCOY

Advocacy Officer

Katilingban as Kalambuan Org, Inc

3. PMSg MA. MAE L. MARCOS

WCPD, Zamboanga City Police Office

4. Ms. Anang Lia I. Sahi

LGOO VI

Department Interior and Local Government - Zamboanga City Office

5. Hon. Al-Jihan R. Edding

City Councilor, Zamboanga City

6. Rodeline June A. Patagoc, EdD

Social Welfare Officer III

City Social Welfare and Development

7. Josephine A. Orquia, RSW

Social Welfare Officer I

City Social Welfare and Development

8. Criselda S. Francisco

Planning Officer II

City Planning and Development Office

9. Djemnah B. Tan

Nurse IV

City Health Office

10. Christine Faith C. Baltazar, RSW

Court Social Welfare Officer II

Regional Trial Court - Zamboanga City

11. Wilfredo J. Aporongao, MPA

Gender and Development Services

12. Cheryl C. Ganob

Gender and Development Services

As we say, Junto-junto kita empuja mas el buen estar de todo para na mas inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo ciudad de Zamboanga!

#SaferWomenProject#gadinaction #GADvocate

1st Semestral Assembly of Barangay GAD Advocate Alliance

June 25, 2024

Grand Astorial Hotel, Zamboanga City

The Barangay GAD Advocate Alliance convened for their 1st Semestral Assembly for this year last June 25, 2024 at Grand Astoria Hotel, this city.

Pursuant to Section 24, Article I of the City Ordinance No. 580 or otherwise known as “The 2022 Revised Gender and Development Code of Zamboanga City” which provides for the creation of the Barangay Gender and Development Advocate Alliance and conduct of General Assembly to monitor and ensure that the city plans and programs for gender and development are harmonized with the 98 barangays.

This mechanism is put in place to effectively carry out the mandate of the provisions of the law and the goals of gender and development at barangay level. This initiative is also in consonance with City Ordinance No. 356 otherwise known as “An Order Creating the Barangay Gender and Development Focal Persons Committee, Prescribing and Defining its Functions and Providing Funds Thereof”.

The following matters were discussed during the assembly:

a. 2024 Barangay GAD Plans and Budgets Updates

b. Preparation of GAD Plan and Budget 2025 and Accomplishment Report 2023

c. Orientation on the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays

d. SAFER Women Project Roll-out

As we say, junto-junto kita empuja el buen estar de todo, para na inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo Ciudad de Zamboanga! Para na igualdad de genero!

#GADvocates #BarangayGAD #BarangayGADAdvocateAlliance #semestralassembly

Gender and Development OrSem Batch 12

April 30, 2024 | Crystal Ballroom, Grand Astoria Hotel

The Gender and Development Services is now in its Twelfth Batch for the Gender and Development Orientation Seminar for City Government Employees.  Our GAD Chairperson, Mayor John Dalipe shows his full-support of the initiative, sharing his message of solidarity in championing gender equality, that it must start within the Local Government Unit. Making sure that everyone in office, most especially those in the frontlines, are capcitated on Gender Sensitivity and have a gender sensitive lens.

The morning session covered a discussion on the Basic GAD Concepts and Laws and Understanding SOGIESC. For the afternoon session, we had discussion on the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (543),  Safe Spaces Act (RA11313) and Gender Fair Language.

This activity will be held in 12 batches which started last Monday, April 15, until April 30, 2024 to accomodate employees from different departments.

As we say, Junto-junto kita empuja mas el buen estar de todo para na mas inclusivo cambio, progreso y desarollo ciudad de Zamboanga!

#WEcanbeEquALL #GADOrientationSeminar #orientationseminar #GADinAction #GenderAndDevelopment #CapDev