The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Field Office Caraga, through the Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU) of the Protective Services Division, held a GAD Policies and Guidelines Orientation for PSD Staff on February 26, 2025, at Spacebar Resort, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

The activity aimed to foster a deeper understanding of gender equality and the importance of addressing societal disparities, and dismantle the barriers that hinder equal access to opportunities and resources, thereby creating a more inclusive environment for all genders. 

Specifically, the said orientation sought to increase PSD staff’s awareness about the concept of gender and the impact of gender roles, stereotypes, and biases on individuals and society, develop empathy and understanding towards the experiences and challenges faced by individuals of different genders, encourage inclusive language, behaviors, and practices that avoid discrimination, identify unconscious biases that may affect decision-making processes, and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in various contexts.

A key part of the conducted training was about understanding the difference between sex, a biological characteristic, and gender, which is shaped by social norms and expectations. This includes exploring sex roles (tasks and behaviors linked to biological differences) and gender roles (societal expectations placed on individuals based on their gender). 

SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) was also introduced, which acknowledges the diversity in how people identify and express themselves, fostering inclusivity and respect. 

Additionally, the training highlighted the many ways gender bias appears, such as unequal treatment in the workplace or at home, and how these biases limit opportunities.