With the support and approval of NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, of the request of Philippine Navy (PN)-Headquarters Philippine Fleet (HPF) Assistant Chief of Fleet Staff for Personnel (F1), Cdr. Wigerto Warren V. Lopez, PN (General Staff Corps), NAMRIA fielded one of its personnel for their third quarter gender and development (GAD) activity. NAMRIA Gender and Development Focal Point System (NGFPS)-Technical Working Group (TWG) on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Assistant Focal Person (AFP) Jeffrey A. Quodala served as the resource person in the PN hybrid gender sensitivity training (GST). The half-day training was held at the Suarez Hall, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City on 28 September 2023. The participants were from PN-HPF's various units, onsite and aboard their fleet ships. NGFPS-TWG on IEC AFP Quodala was accompanied by NGFPS-TWG on IEC member Erwin D. Famatiga and NGFPS Secretariat member Seaman Third Class Keith C Lagunday, who both acted as documenters of the activity.

 

The training started with an invocation by Master Chief Petty Officer Samuel Y. Arnaldo, PN. It was immediately followed by the message of F1 Deputy, Cdr. Dexter A. Caga-anan, PN. Commander Caga-anan's welcome message was read by Ms. Maricon C. Dangaran, Chief of the Civilian Affairs Branch, F1. Commander Caga-anan called on the participants to actively engage, ask questions, and participate in an open and respectful manner throughout the training.

 

NGFPS-TWG on IEC AFP Quodala discussed various gender concepts using the module produced by the Civil Service Institute of the Civil Service Commission. The module was divided into four parts, namely: Introduction, Sex and Gender, MaSaLi (Magulang, Salinlahi, at Lipunan), and Manifestations of Gender Bias. Under the Sex and Gender part, stages and institutions that contribute to various gender issues were discussed comprehensively. Questions were also answered by NGFPS-TWG on IEC AFP Quodala during the open forum part of the training. At the end of the training, certificates and tokens of appreciation were awarded to the NGFPS and to NGFPS-TWG on IEC AFP Quodala.

 

During the closing program, Commander Lopez, thanked everyone who made the activity successful. He took the opportunity to ask random questions related to the training to some of the participants, both uniformed and civilian. He acknowledged the good answers as indicative of the participants' overall attentiveness during the training. Ltjg. Kenna P. Galgao, PN was the emcee and facilitator for the event. All photos used in this article were taken by Mr. Famatiga.