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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 through its Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (RGFPS) spearheaded the WELLNESS AND WHOLENESS AT THE WORKPLACE, A Forum on Gender and Development (GAD) for DENR, Region 6 on March 14, 2024, at Diversion 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

It was actively participated by DENR 6 personnel from the Regional Office and Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs and CENROs) in the province of Iloilo.

“This March, we are celebrating the National Women’s Month, and while we enjoy the different activities lined up such as this one, we must also take this opportunity to reflect on the progress that we have made, and the things still needed to be done to empower women in the workplace and the community. Each one of us plays a vital role in nation-building. Thus, we must embrace diversity and harness potential, regardless of one’s gender and identity. Courage and determination are key in making this happen,” said Artemio Salvador C. Colacion, Chief of the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) and Chair, RGFPS IEC & Monitoring Committee in his message on behalf of DENR 6 key officials.

Resource persons were invited including Dr. Ma. Theresa Vargas-Castaneda - Head, Outpatient and Aftercare Units, DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center-Iloilo who discussed “Mental Health in the Workplace”, and “Drug Abuse and Prevention Education”. Joseph Carlo Carillo, RN – Nurse V and STI Prevention and Control Program Coordinator of DOH-CHD Western Visayas on the other hand shed light on “Men and Women’s Reproductive Health: Common Diseases and Management”. Meanwhile, Ma. Theresa S. Sumalinog - DOH Nutritionist-Dietitian in Iloilo Province discussed the importance of “Weight Management and Nutrition.”

The participants were also given the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns in an open forum after each discussion.

“I am with all DENR 6 personnel in striving for genuine change and in the pursuit of gender equality and safe spaces in our office. All of us, no matter what our gender and identity, must continue to contribute towards the achievement of these goals. I believe that if we are kind, compassionate, courageous, and accepting, we will be able to have a better community for everyone,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran expressed./DENR6

The Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 under the leadership of its Chief, Artemio Salvador C. Colacion, spearheaded the Finalization of the Integrated Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Action Plan for CY 2024 on March 14, 2024 at the ORED Conference Room, DENR 6 Regional Office, Iloilo City.

The event was actively participated by the designated Information Officers (IOs) from the different Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROS & CENROS) all over Western Visayas, the IO from the Environment Management Bureau (EMB), as well as other members of the RSCIG. Representatives from the Planning and Management Division (PMD) also observed the activity and gave their inputs.

“I consider all of you as the mouthpiece of the Department so it is very important that you are aware of all the thrusts and initiatives of DENR Region 6 so that you can effectively inform the public. Your targets must reflect everything that is essential to our mandate,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said in his message.

The workshop also served as an opportunity for IOs to exchange ideas, learn more of the different activities planned for the year, and determine ways to improve moving forward.

“I am thankful for your presence and would like to share RED Duran’s recognition of all our efforts. Let us continue to do our best in what we do and effectively deliver the outputs that are expected from us,” RSCIG Chief Colacion expressed.

The Integrated IEC Action Plan, considered as the “bible” of Information Officers, is a vital component in setting the direction of the different IEC initiatives of DENR 6 this year 2024.

In line with the month-long National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) with the recurring theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, conducted a two-day Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) on March 07 to March 08, 2024 at the DENR 6 Activity Center.

The GST is designed to orient the men and women of the Department on the concepts of GAD and increase their level of awareness on the subject to enable them to become gender sensitive to issues and challenges that may come their way. This is also designed to present the importance of gender-biased workplace and society.

Resource Person, Prof. Mary Barby P. Padayos-Jover, Ph.D., Associate Professor from the University of the Philippines-Visayas, engaged the participants, from the regional and field offices with different activities, lectures, and group presentation on the various topics affecting when from past to present.

“In ancient times women are expected to just stay at home, prepare meals, take care of the family and just be the one in-charge of the household. But in today’s generation, they have proven that they are capable of doing things least expected of them to do, and even better,” equally capable of men,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.

“The DENR 6 always believed that we have empowered women thus, a gender-fair system in the society is a must because they can shine brighter with equal rights,” he added.

March of every year is declared as the National Women’s Month and the DENR 6 through its GAD Focal Point System prepared lists of activities highlighting the importance of women in the workplace and encouraged employees to value women by giving them a sense of belonging, relevance and empowered. /DENR 6

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 through its Planning and Management Division (PMD), together with the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) 6 and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 6 conducted a Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Consultation on March 4, 2024 at the Activity Center, DENR 6 Regional Office, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City.

DENR 6 top officials namely Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Raul L. Lorilla for Technical Services, ARD Andres T. Untal for Management Services, and ARD Ivene D. Reyes for Special Concerns joined the event together with Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENRO/CENROs), Regional Office Division Chiefs, other DENR personnel, representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6, and from different Civil Society Organizations composed of the academe, religious groups, Local Government Units (LGUs), People’s Organizations (POs), and other stakeholders.

“We are expecting and soliciting your support in the crafting of this budget proposal should there be any suggestion from your end and also ultimately later on during the implementation and monitoring of these programmed projects and activities,” ARD Lorilla said in his welcome message on behalf of Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

The consultation was conducted in close coordination with NEDA Region 6 and is a vital component in the preparation of the Budget Proposal for FY 2025. It aims to discuss the different programs and projects of DENR to the CSOs as well as to solicit valuable insights and support for the planning, monitoring, and implementation of the different endeavours slated for the present and following years.

Isa sa mga gusto matabo sang aton nga government when it comes to the preparation of the budget, dapat properly consulted ini siya sa mga members sang civil society organizations. Kay mostly, amu ini ang mga organizations ang partner sang aton mga agencies sa pag-implement sang ila projects. Kalabanan sa inyo ara sa ground, makita ninyo kung paano gina-implement ang mga projects kag may mga insights kamo nga pwede ma-share kung paano pagid ma-improve ang budget preparation,” says EnP Francis John Palabrica, Senior Economic Development Specialist of NEDA 6.

“Public positions in the government require public trust. Therefore, we have to be transparent, we have to be accountable lalo na sa expenditures because we will be spending people’s money that’s why we need to be very transparent…We believe that an informed public and an evidence-based budget is crucial to sustain growth,” ARD Untal expressed in his message.

Among concerns raised by the participants was the need to increase the budget to hire more personnel and for the procurement and maintenance of equipment and facilities, sufficient provisions for wildlife in rescue centers, consistent monitoring of projects being implemented, expediting processes, more support for POs in National Greening Program (NGP) sites as well as additional funding for monitoring and evaluation of graduated sites, more air and water quality monitoring stations in strategic areas, and strengthened information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign in local communities among others. These inputs were noted by the concerned officials and will be appropriately incorporated in the Budget Proposal for FY 2025.

“The priority program of the (DENR) Secretary is now protected areas. So ito ang mga importante na mga resources na dapat nating proteksyunan. Proteksyunan nating ang bundok, magtanim tayo sa bundok and maso-solve ang mga problema doon sa lower ground. Sa lahat ng dumalo, maraming salamat po! Nandiyan po ang inyong mga PENRO at CENRO. You can coordinate with them para po doon sa inyonmg mga problema,” ARD Reyes said in his closing remarks.

“WE for Gender Equality & Inclusive Society,” this is the battle cry of officials and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 as well as the entire country in celebrating the National Women’s Month this March.

A sea of purple graced the DENR 6 Courtyard during the launching activity on March 4, 2024 led by the Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (RGFPS).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ernest C. Federiso, Vice Chairperson, Committee on Planning and Research Committee of RGFPS as well as Chief of the Administrative Division emphasized the need to completely eradicate sexual harassment in the workplace, fostering safe spaces for all genders, and women empowerment.

Bisan ano pa nga layi ang nagaprotekta sa mga babayi, kung ang babayi mismo indi mag invoke sang iya nga right, wala ina sing pulos. Dapat diri sa DENR Region 6, ang mga babayi magtindog, makigbato, kag ipakigbato ang ila kinamatarong,” Dr. Federiso said.

On behalf of RGFPS Chairperson and Enforcement Division Chief For. June Melissa C. Garol, Atty. Cheryl Rose V. Librero, RGFPS Vice Chairperson expressed gratitude to the empowered women of the past and quoted Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo 2024 Alexie Brooks, saying “Abanse, Babayi!”.

“This is a way of paying homage or honour to our forbears. They were the ones who fought for us to have what he have right now…I want you all to recognize and to realize that without this, we will not be having this equality nga gina-enjoy ta right now. The celebration of the Women’s Month is still a relevant event,” she said.

DENR 6 top officials, Assistant Regional Directors Andres T. Untal for Management Services and Raul L. Lorilla for Technical Services declared their all out support to the celebration on behalf of Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran. They also encouraged everyone to contribute to the different initiatives that aim to empower women not only in the workplace but also in the communities.

“As we embark on the global celebration of Women’s Month, let us recognize the pivotal role that both women and men play in the journey towards gender equality and empowerment. Thus, as we honour the extraordinary achievements and contributions of women throughout history, let us also acknowledge and appreciate the male allies who have stood alongside them as advocates, supporters, and partners…Together, let us celebrate the harmonious collaboration between men and women in shaping a world where gender does not limit one’s potential but instead, propels individuals to greatness.,” ARD Untal expressed.

“Women have a great role in the progress of the society. The celebration today aspires to give honour to women all throughout the world. Recognizing their participation and roles to the various developments halin sa panimalay niya, asta sa community, asta sa nation-building. So the great message for us all is, we will love all women,” ARD Lorilla said.

Aside from the launching activity, key officials also unveiled “Women Beyond Lenses”, a photo competition and exhibit featuring the different empowered women whose work have and continuous to contribute to the overall success of endeavours in DENR 6 and the community as well.

Different activities in relation to the National Women’s Month are also set for the whole month of March not only in the regional office but in the different Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs and CENROs) around Western Visayas as well.