DOTC Mainstreams Gender and Development in the Transport Sector

Efforts to mainstream gender and development (GAD) in the transportation sector gain ground as the Department of Transportation and Com-munications (DOTC) goes full-steam in imple-menting Department Order (D.O.) No. 2012- 05.

Department Order No. 2012-05, signed by for-mer DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas last March 23, 2012, aims to ensure that women benefit equally and participate directly in the development plans, programs and projects of the Department. DOTC- GAD Focal Point and Assistant Secretary for Administration Dante M. Lantin stated, “The Order directs the DOTC-Central Office, its vari-ous Project Management Offices (PMOs), Re-

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In its bid to effectively mainstream gender and development (GAD), the Department of Trans-portation and Communications-Central Office (DOTC-CO) conducted a GAD audit survey among its officials and personnel last May 6 to 9, 2013.

“The GAD Audit Survey was conducted to as-sess the level of awareness of the DOTC person-nel. We would like to find out how far we have gone in terms of mainstreaming GAD in this Department,” said DOTC-GAD Focal Point and Assistant Secretary for Administration Dante M. Lantin.

Assec. Lantin said the audit aims to measure the effectiveness of the existing gender policies, strategies, programs and projects of the Depart-ment.

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Rowena S. QuiogueEditor-in-Chief

Maria Victoria Pacis-ApacibleEditor

Erlyn A. AguinaldoMarie Joy L. McKenzie

Contributors

Kahlil MacanConsultant

Baltazar G. Lomibao IIIMelvin B. Pervera

Artists

Mae L. LeonesEdwin C. LirazanJosephine Ramos

Support Staff

Dante M. LantinMichael Arthur C. Sagcal

Advisers

For any concerns on GAD-related matters, you may visit the DOTC GAD Corner at the DOTC website: www.dotc.gov.ph.

HARMONY invites article contributors. Kindly send your original news/feature stories to the DOTC-Public Information Division. E-mail us at dotcpid@gmail.com

DOTC Conducts GAD Audit SurveyBy Vicky Pacis-Apacible

Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles highlighted the key role played by women in achieving peace in Mindanao in a statement she delivered at the second day of the 57th session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Sta-tus of Women (CSW) in New York on March 5.

The CSW is the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women.

In her statement, Secretary Deles highlighted the “historic turn-ing point” achieved by the Philippines “in bringing an end to the violence of internal armed conflict” with the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October 2012 in which women had played key roles.

Secretary Deles proceeded to underscore the series of laws signed into the last three months, namely: Republic Act No. 10354 or the “Republic Responsible Parenthood and Reproduc-tive Health Act of 2012” signed in December; Republic Act No. 10361 or the Kasambahay Law signed in January; Republic Act No. 10364 or the “Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act” in February and Republic Act No. 10368 or the “Human Rights Vic-tims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013” signed one week before the UN meeting.

Secretary Deles likewise highlighted the “unprecedented female triumvirate” at the highest levels of the justice system with the Supreme Court, Department of Justice and the Office of the Om-budsman, all headed by women.

The Philippine statement was received with warm applause by audience aided in part by the 30-strong Philippine delegation composed of several senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Commission on Women, the De-partment of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of

Deles Cites Women’s Role in Mindanao Peace Process

Department of Foreign Affairs March 7, 2013 Press Release

SC Upholds Constitutionality of

Domestic Violence ActMANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitu-tionality of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004.

In a unanimous decision penned by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bern-abe, the high court dismissed the peti-tion filed by a man separated from his family after allegedly beating his wife in Bacolod.

The SC junked the allegations of pe-titioner Jesus Garcia that RA 9262 is “violative of the equal protection and due process clauses, and an undue del-egation of judicial power to barangay officials” based on the application of

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| GAD in the News |

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August 2013Issue 1

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“The DOTC wants to create a transport envi-ronment that is gender-responsive. To do this, we need to sensitize and empower the people from within the Department regarding gender and development. This GAD Gender Audit is the first of the many steps to achieve our goal. It is an essential input before we may craft a truly responsive GAD roadmap,” he emphasized.

Assec. Lantin directed the GAD Technical Work-ing Group (TWG) to develop a GAD Audit Sur-vey Instrument to measure the level of aware-ness and understanding of the DOTC employees on GAD.

According to DOTC-GAD TWG Head and Admin. Service Director Rowena S. Quiogue, the GAD Audit Instrument focused on several key areas, including: a) Knowledge and Understanding of Gender and Development; b) Vision and Mis-sion; c) Leadership; d) Structures and Proce-dures; e) Programmatic Interventions; and f) Culture and Environment.

“We’ve administered the 30-minute survey to a total of 214 DOTC personnel who were grouped into 4 categories, namely: 1) Director level and above; 2) Administrative; 3) Planning; and 4) Fi-nance,” Dir. Quiogue explained. The Administra-tive category included personnel who perform administrative functions, i.e. personnel from the Administrative, Management Information and Procurement, Supply and Property Manage-ment Services, as well as the staff directly under the Offices of the Secretary and Undersecretar-ies. The Planning category was composed of personnel from the Planning, Project Manage-ment Service (PMS), and Project Monitoring and Evaluation Service. The Finance Manage-ment Service and Comptrollership Service com-prised the Finance category.

FROM PAGE1 “DOTC Condutcs ...”

Dir. Quiogue said that the GAD-TWG adminis-tered the survey instrument through 3 methods: 1) one-on-one interview for the Director and above level; 2) focused-group discussion for the Division Chiefs; and 3) guided test adminis-tration for the rank-and-file employees. TWG members gave a short introduction on GAD for better understanding and appreciation of the initiative. Respondents were assured of the confidentiality of their responses

Dir. Quiogue further noted the gender composi-tion of the respondents. Of the 14 respondents in the Director and above level, 7 were males and 7 females. In the Administrative, of the 61 personnel who took the survey, 29 were male and 32 were female. In the Planning, 39 were male and 27 female, for a total of 66 respon-dents. Last, for the Finance, there were 73 re-spondents. Of these, 16 were male, and 57 were female.

The results of the GAD Audit will be presented and discussed by the GAD consultant with the DOTC-GAD TWG. The findings will be made available by the end of the year.

Plans of action to address issues and concerns that surfaced during the audit will be part of the DOTC-GAD Plan and Budget for 2014.

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“We want to create a transport environment that is gender-responsive ...

we need to sensitize and empower the people from within the Department ...

(this) is the first of the many steps to achieve our goal ... an essential input before we

may build a truly responsive GAD roadmap.”

Transportation is the lifeblood of our nation. It supports the vital sectors i.e. agriculture, business and tourism. The de-velopment of transportation is hence a key to our nation’s progress.

However, growth in the transport sector cannot and will not be genuine if it is not participative—if the decision-making, planning and implementation processes do not include all its stakeholders, especially the marginalized sectors. Transpor-tation should be for and by the people.

Despite their significant contributions, women’s participa-tion in the transport sector and in nation-building is still limited. Further, the day is yet to come when women finally reap the full benefits of development. The reason: gender inequality.

But this can be changed.

Gender and Development (GAD), an approach which re-flects a paradigm shift towards equality between women and men in all aspects and sectors of development, was institu-tionalized in the DOTC plans, programs and budget in the DOTC-Central Office, Attached Agencies and Corporations pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7192 and Ex-ecutive Order No. 348 on 03 July 1995.

Last March 2013, Department Order No. 2012-05 was signed by former DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas. The D.O. aims to ensure that women benefit equally and participate directly in the development plans, programs and projects of the Department. With this, the effort to mainstream GAD goes full-steam.

| Editorial |

“Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.”

(Kofi Annan)

Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together

The effort includes the process of identifying interventions which can transform gender disparities into opportunities that equally benefit women and men in the transport sector.

Information empowers. Knowledge breeds seeds of under-standing and jolts the sleeping soul towards action.

Hence, the birth of this newsletter.

“Harmony: Towards a gender-responsive transport sector” is the official newsletter of the DOTC-GAD. It aims to highlight the significant events and the different initiatives of the De-partment, through the various DOTC-GAD Focal Points and the Technical Working Groups (GAD-TWGs.)

It is guided by the DOTC-GAD vision which states:

Women and men in the DOTC community to equally par-ticipate in the development, management and operation of globally competitive, environment-friendly and people-ori-ented transport systems, ensuring that such efforts will bring mutually beneficial results to both sexes thereby enhancing the quality of their lives.

Harmony is a tool to educate. It is a strategy to sensitize.

For only when we are sensitized can we synergize. Only when we are synergized—when there is harmony between and among the Department agencies and its stakeholders—can this Department be truly responsive.

When we respond as one, we empower. When both women and men are empowered, progress effortlessly occurs.

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“In the nineteenth century, the central moral challenge was slavery. In the twentieth century, it was the

battle against totalitarianism. We believe that in this century the

paramount moral challenge will be the struggle for

gender equality around the world.” (Nicholas D. Kristof, Half the Sky:

Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide)

CIAC reaches out to families of women OFWsBy Vicky Pacis-Apacible

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) recently launched a flagship and gender-respon-sive outreach program to help husbands and children of female migrant workers.

The Psychosocial Program for Families of Women OFWs and Key Barangay Personnel of the Ma-balacat Community is one of CIAC’s gender and development (GAD) programs. It aims to help the immediate families cope with the effects of prolonged absence of female OFWs. Residents of the surrounding communities of the Clark International Airport are the clients of the said program.

CIAC President Victor Jose Luciano said, “The CIAC renews it commitment to enhance its positive relations and bring about strengthened social value proposition to its surrounding communities.”

Launched last July 18, 2013, CIAC President Luciano said that the program was developed in part-nership with and will be conducted by the Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang (MLAC) Institute for Children and Families.

“Statistics show that 50-60% of OFWs are women. They greatly contribute to our national coffers. While government offers certain programs for the OFWs, these are mainly livelihood and legal in na-ture. Actual cases show that there is a crucial need for a program of a psychosocial nature, designed specifically for the families left behind by OFW mothers and wives. The resulting predicament of our OFW families necessarily becomes a national concern. Hence, CIAC has responded to this critical need,” explained the CIAC president.

CIAC President Luciano noted that the program involves processing of the current emotional issues of the families of women migrant workers in Mabalacat. It also includes training key barangay work-ers to ensure the continuity of the program at the community level.

“Training these barangay workers, who will eventually handle the cases, is crucial to sustain the program,” added Luciano.

DOTC Admin. Director Rowena S. Quiogue, head of the DOTC GAD TWG, in her message sent to the organizer, lauded this unique initiative of the CIAC. She said that the program demonstrates the agency’s sincerity to reach out to the community which has helped foster its development. She underscored CIAC’s renewed commitment to build bridges of positive change.

“The CIAC and MLAC Institute for Children and Families have upped the ante in gender and de-velopment mainstreaming in the transport sector. We cannot overemphasize the need for programs that strengthen social values. I believe this serves as a challenge for other DOTC agencies to find more innovative and socially significant ways to bring GAD into the forefront of public service in the transport sector.” Director Quiogue emphasized.

| News |

Finalization of the Revised Gender Sensitivity Training Instructor’s Guide

By Marie Joy L. McKenzie

The Department is one of the leading advocates of Gender and Development (GAD) in the govern-ment. Thus, last May 15 to 17, 2013, the GAD Technical Working Group held a meeting-workshop in Mimosa Golf & Country Club in Clarkfield, Pampanga to finalize the Gender Sensitivity Training Instructor’s Guide/Handbook (GST-IG). Twenty-four (24) GAD TWG members from the DOTC Cen-tral Office, MIAA, PNR, PADC, MRT3, and LRT put their heads together to come up with a training material that has up-to-date information and activities and eventually, finalize the revision of the existing GST-IG.

The group was divided into four (4) sub-groups to work on each of the four modules of the IG. These groups were predetermined in a preparation activity that was held in Tagaytay last October 2012. The four modules in the Revised GST Instructor’s Guide are:1) Gender Situationer2) Sex, Gender, and Culture3) Manifestations of Gender Bias4) Visioning of a Gender-Fair Society (in the transportation sector)

This new, up-to-date instructor’s guide will help future Gender Sensitivity Trainers in their quest to educate and sensitize fellow government employees about Gender and Development using timely articles and interactive activities.

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| News |

“There is more to sex appeal than just measurements. I don’t need a bedroom

to prove my womanliness. I can convey just as much

sex appeal, picking apples off a tree or standing in the rain.”

(Audrey Hepburn)

Service Directors:

Rebecca S. CacatianDirector III, Finance and

Management Service

Lydia S. MalvarDirector III, Comptrollership Service

Emma E. HizonDirector III,

Management Information Service

Florencia A. CreusDirector III, Planning Service

GAD Focal Point and Technical Working GroupWith the institutionalization of GAD in the DOTC, a GAD Focal Point Technical Working Group (TWG) was constituted as early as 1995.

The DOTC-GAD Focal Point serves as catalyst in the DOTC Gender Responsive Planning and Program-ming and ensures that all disseminated guidelines are appropriately utilized and revised to suit emerging developments.

The DOTC-GAD TWG was also constituted, composed of representatives from the DOTC-Central Office and two (2) each from the Sectoral Offices and Attached Agencies and Corporations.

The Sectoral Offices and Attached Agencies and Corporations created their respective Agency Focal Points and TWGs.

The DOTC-CO and Agencies FP and TWGs have their Secretariats that provide all administrative, budget-ary and technical support in pursuit of all GAD-related activities in the Department.

Services/Divisions Representatives:

Maria Corazon R. Japson Road Transport Planning Division

Filipinas Z. Cabana Cristina S. OnanadElmira M. Domingo

Pamela B. TadeoAir Transport Planning Division

Elenita D. Asuncion Belinda C. Salvosa

Emma P. RiveroWater Transport Planning Division

Gina M. ZapataRail Transport Planning Division

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CONTINUED >

GAD StructureDOTC-CO GAD FOCAL POINT AND TECHNICAL WORKING

GROUP

GAD Focal Point Dante M. Lantin

Assistant Secretary for Administration

GAD Technical Working Group

Head Rowena S. Quiogue

Director III, Administrative Service

Members

March, The Women’s MonthBy Erlyn A. Aguinaldo

In consonance with President Benigno Aquino’s pursuit and vision of ‘tuwid na daan’, the theme being adopted for the 2013 Women’s Month Celebration is “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan”. The theme underscores women’s leadership role and participation in governance to enhance gender per-spective in upholding good governance. It highlights the importance of strengthening the mechanisms and institutions that support women and to widen the arena for their participation.

The Department’s Gender and Development headed by Assistant Secretary Dante M. Lantin and through the initiative of Director Rowena S. Quiogue, scheduled several activities for the month celebration. A film showing on the lives of Erin Brockovich and The Queen which depicted women’s passion and willingness to fight for justice and to stand for what they believe is right. Also, it showed the transition of the woman of yesterday to the woman of today who knows what she wants and how to adjust herself to the present times.

Representatives from the DOTC Central Office, its Sectoral Offices and Attached Agencies/Corporations had a 2-day Meeting on 07-08 March 2013 where the presentation of GAD Plans and Programs for 2013 and 2014 was made. There was discussion, sharing of experiences and consultation of concerns and issues among the agencies which proved to be helpful in making DOTC a gender responsive organization.

In recognition of the Women’s Day on 08 March, the DOTC GAD Special Projects led by Ms. Milagros “Ilet” Cinco distributed red roses to DOTC’s women-employees. A rose can symbolize many things from love to compassion. If you have empathy for someone, you can give him or her an affinity flow and roses can be identified with that.

Let us make every month special to everyone most specially to the Women. We doff off our hats for your greatness and for making this world a better place.

DID YOU KNOW?The United States of America commemorates Women’s Equality Day every 26th of August.

It started in 1920 when women were given the right to vote upon the official signing of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The Department Order also calls for the conduct of Development Study/Social Impact Analysis on gender-related issues which are to be incor-porated in the locally- and foreign-funded trans-port development studies to include service level standards in service-oriented industry.

Finally, a GAD Checklist for Infrastructure Proj-ects will be used in project identification; proj-ect design; project implementation and manage-ment; and project monitoring and evaluation for all transport sectors.

The policy guidelines contained in the said D.O. are adopted in line with the Philippine Govern-ment’s international commitment as a Member State of the United Nations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. Further, the Department Order serves as a testament and affirmation of the Department’s commitment as a signatory to the charter, conventions, agreements and cov-enant on the principle of equality of men and women, and the corresponding national laws and regulations to give full effect to its compli-ance and implementation.

By Vicky Pacis-Apacible

5

FROM PAGE 1 “DOTC Mainstreams ...”

“... to ensure that women benefit equally and participate directly ...”

gional and Sectoral Offices and Attached Agen-cies and Corporations to institutionalize and mainstream gender and development in the Na-tional Transportation plan and in the agencies’ respective annual and medium-term programs, activities and projects. “

Assec. Lantin, said that D.O. 2012-05 aims to integrate the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines for Project Devel-opment, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation into the Department’s plans, programs, activities and project; and to establish and operationalize a GAD National Task Force.

The Order directs the mainstreaming of Organi-zation-Focused and Client-Focused yearly GAD activities; the preparation of a GAD Manual of Standards and Operations on Information and Education Awareness and Campaign, Develop-ment Studies, Infrastructure Development/Implementation/ Monitoring/Evaluation, Hu-man Resource Capability Building/Training; and the creation of a GAD National Task Force to be headed by the DOTC-Central Office GAD Focal Point with the agencies’ respective Focal Points as members.

Specific applications of the D.O. include the con-duct of a GAD audit in all DOTC offices to iden-tify the gaps and gender issues in the transport sector.

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Dolores G. Pua Caroline P. Mangalili

Ruby D. ManzoMa. Antonietta R. Lopez

International Cooperation Desk

Elizabeth A. LunzagaMalou E. Tinitigan

Cynthia H. de Castro Elsa D. Garcia

Project Management Service

Antonina B. Benito Raul Bobette V. Salazar

Annaleen BasquinaPersonnel Division

Alona D. Lapasaran Lino A. Quintela

Erlyn A. AguinaldoRowena B. Dirain

Maricar S. EspañadaHRD Division

Atty. Flordeliza S. Reyes Legal Service

Emelita S. Raflores Internal Audit Office

Edna C. Tapar Ma. Bella G. AlmiraAccounting Division

Milagros C. Roberson Treasury Division

Aurora V. Villasenor Cornelio Z. Figueroa

Supply Division

Marissa F. Santos Procurement Division

Marilou B. Gicana Myrna C. FernandezCorazon P. Villanueva

Jose D. YjaresInformation Systems Division

Renato San Jose Director IV

DOTC- MRT3

Atty. Alfonso V. Tan, Jr. Executive Director

Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Cynthia Angulo Chief, Administrative Division

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB

Josephine TurbolenciaChief, Administrative and Comptrollership Division

Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)

Medel H. AfallaOIC-Executive Director

Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC)

Felix Gerard R. LeysonManager,

Line Operation DepartmentLight Railways Transit Authority

(LRTA)

Atty. Lynna G. ChungAssistant General Manager

Philippine National Railways (PNR)

Jesus Enrico Moises B. SalazarVice-President

North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail)

Atty. Carmelo L. Arcilla Executive Director

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)

Herminia D. Castillo Assistant General Manager for

Finance & AdministrationManila International Airport

Authority (MIAA)

Romeo Bersonda Assistant General Manager

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA)

Josefa Cabangangan Division Manager, Accounting

Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC)

Reynaldo L. Catacutan Vice President, Airport Operations Department

Clark International Airport Corpo-ration (CIAC)

MGen. Artemio G. Orozco (Ret)Chief of Staff

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)

Atty. David SimonAssistant General Manager

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)

Atty. Nicasio A. ContiDeputy Administrator

for PlanningMaritime Industry Authority

(MARINA)

Atty. Yusop J. Uckung Acting Deputy General Manager

Manager, Legal AffairsCebu Ports Authority (CPA)

Commodore Cecil ChenVice Commandant for

AdministrationPhilippine Coast Guard (PCG)

Capt. Nilda Manalaysay

Chief Administrative OfficerPhilippine Merchant Marine Acad-

emy (PMMA)

Atty. Miguel F. OraaAssistant Administrator for

Planning, Policy, Research and Law Bureau

Office for Transportation Security (OTS)

GAD FOCAL POINT OF DOTC AGENCIES

“A woman is human.She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent,

more creative, or more responsible than a man.

Likewise, she is never less.Equality is a given.

A woman is human.” (Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration)

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I believe that within me lies an extraordinary radiance, and I commit to letting my light loose in the world.

I believe that the source of my power and wisdom is in the center of my being, and I commit to acting from this place of strength.

I believe that I possess an abundance of passion and creative potential, and I commit to the expression of this gift.

I believe that the time has come to let go of old notions and unhealthy attitudes, and I commit to re-examine what I have been told about beauty and dismiss what insults my soul.

I believe that negative thoughts and words compromise my well-being, and I commit to thinking and speaking positively about myself and others.

I believe that young women are in need of positive role models, and I commit to being an example of authenticity and self-love.

I believe in the relationship between my well-being and the well-being of the planet, and I commit to a life of mindfulness that regards all living things as holy and worthy of my love.

I believe it is my spiritual responsibility to care for my body with respect, kindness and compassion. I commit to balancing my life in such a way that my physical being is fully expressed and nurtured.

I believe that joy is an essential part of wellness, and I commit to removing obstacles to joy and creating a life of exuberance.

I believe that a woman who loves herself is a powerful, passionate, attractive force, and I commit, from this day forward, to loving myself deeply and extravagantly.

The Real Woman CreedBy Jane Phillips

1. It’s my right to make my own choices.2. It’s my right to love and be loved.3. It’s my right to be heard and taken seriously.4. It’s my right to be treated with respect.5. It’s my right to ask for what I want and need.6. It’s my right to have and express my own thoughts, feelings and opinions.7. It’s my right to be who I am even if others don’t approve.8. It’s my right to be creative.9. It’s my right to set and maintain boundaries and limits.10. It’s my right to say NO without feeling guilty.11. It’s my right to live a Happy, Joyful life.12. It’s my right to take care of myself and my needs.13. It’s my right to choose my own beliefs.14. It’s my right to be playful, laugh and have fun.15. It’s my right to give myself permission to honor my rights.

DOTC GAD TWG Conducts Monitoring and Inspection of Metro Manila-Based Agencies, Transport Facilities

By Vicky Pacis-Apacible

Members of the DOTC-Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group recently concluded the GAD monitoring and inspection of facilities of the different Metro Manila-based Sectoral Offices, At-tached Agencies and Corporations of the Department.

The monitoring and inspection, held last July 23 to August 02, 2013, aims to evaluate the various agencies’ implementation of Department Order (D.O.) No. 2012-05 or the GAD Mainstreaming in the transport sec-tor and strengthening of the GAD Focal Points in all agencies. The activity is also a means to assess each agency’s compliance with D.O 2012-09, which defines the implementing rules on the harmonized GAD guidelines for project development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

“The DOTC has successfully conducted the GAD monitoring and inspection. This initiative allows us to gauge the gender responsiveness of the agencies and their respective transport facilities and services,” DOTC Focal Point and Assistant Secretary for Administration Dante M. Lantin said.

According to Assec. Lantin, the monitoring and inspection also assesses the agencies’ compliance to Joint Circular No. 2012-01 on the Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Annual GAD Plan and Bud-get signed by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

For her part, DOTC GAD TWG Head and Administrative Service Director Rowena S. Quiogue said that the members of the TWG inspected the facilities in the offices, buildings, frontline offices, tollways, railway stations, airport and seaports.

“Using the guide for GAD monitoring and inspection, the DOTC GAD TWG members looked into the gender-related concerns of the each agency’s employees and stakeholders. The members especially noted the deficiencies in the facilities,” Dir. Quiogue explained.

The DOTC GAD TWG, according to Dir. Quiogue, will then forward the report of their findings and recom-mendations to the respective agencies for appropriate action.

“Overall, the monitoring and inspection is a step towards providing the riding public, especially the women and her child, with comfortable, affordable, reliable, efficient, safe and secured transport services,” Direc-tor Quiogue emphasized.

This is the second time that the DOTC GAD TWG conducted monitoring and inspection of all the DOTC agencies. The first was held in 2007.

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My Rights

| News |

“All through life there were distinctions - toilets for men, toilets for women; clothes for men, clothes for women

- then, at the end, the graves are identical.” (Leila Aboulela, Minaret)

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F. Contract G. Termination

contract is necessary abuse by employer/household not required to be notarized misconduct by kasambahay violation of contract disease kasambahay and employer agree upon written notice if not indicated in the contract, give notice 5 days before intended termination of service

H. If kasambahay is unjustly dismissed I.If kasambahay leaves without justifiable cause outright payment of earned wage forfeiture of wage equivalent to 15 days workindemnity equivalent to 15 days work reimbursement of deployment expenses if contract is terminated within 6 months

J. Private Employment Agency (PEA) PEA allowed to collect Service Fee from employer-kasambahay cannot be charged with Recruitment or Finder’s Fee)

Employer can demand replacement of kasambahay within 1 month:-if kasambahay has disease or mental illness-abandons job or resigns, commits theft / acts against employer-physically / mentally incapable-75% refund to employer if no replacement in 1 month

K. Unlawful Acts employment of children below 15 years old withholding of wages debt bondage

Penalties -P10,000 to P40,000 fine -file civil or criminal action

Remedies -immediate rescue of kasambahay -file crimes / offenses with courts

Government Agencies Directed to Adopt Gender Equality Guidelines for Media

Malacanang has issued a memorandum directing all government agencies to adopt the follow-ing framework-guidelines in developing media policies and implementing programs in order to promote gender mainstreaming:• GenderEqualityGuide;• CodeofEthicsforMedia;and• GuidelinestoProtectWomenAgainstDiscriminationinMediaandFilm.

Signed by the President on May 30, 2013 and to take effect immediately, Memorandum Circu-lar 48 cites The 1987 Constitution, Republic Act (R.A.) 9710 and RA 10352 as bases.

The State, as provided for by the Constitution, recognizes women’s role in nation-building and ensures the equality of men and women before the law. It also stipulates the vital role of utiliz-ing communication and information towards progress.

The State is mandated, through R.A. 9710 or “The Magna Carta of Women,” to formulate poli-cies and programs for women’s advancement in collaboration with media organizations -- gov-ernmental and non-governmental. The use of mass media is enjoined to raise the consciousness of the public in recognizing the dignity of women and their roles and contributions to the family and the society.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), pursuant to R.A. 9710’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, convened the Gender Equality Committee (GEC) for the formulation of gender equality guidelines and Code of Ethics for media.

The framework-guidelines were approved by the GEC after consultations with private and pub-lic stakeholders.

R.A. 9710 instructs all government departments, state universities and colleges, government corporations and local government units to adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy to pro-mote women’s rights and eliminate gender discrimination in their structures and policies.

All government agencies are directed to formulate a Gender and Development (GAD) Plan as stated by R.A. 10352 or the “General Appropriations Act of 2013.” This is to address gender issues within their sectors and implement provisions of R.A. 9710. The GAD Plan should be integrated in the agencies’ regular activities, which shall be at least 5% of their budgets.

By Kahlil Macan

| GAD and the Law |

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Basis: Department of Labor and Employment’s “Q&A on Batas Kasambahay”

(Republic Act No. 10361) Revised Version

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the law on the case filed against him in a Ba-colod regional trial court.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed against Garcia on March 23, 2006 by his wife, who sought issuance of a temporary protection order (TPO) from the court. She claimed she was physically and emotionally abused by her husband.

The lower court granted the petition after a month and issued the TPO, which required Gar-cia to leave their conjugal dwelling, stay away from his wife and her children from a distance

of 1,000 meters and to pay full financial support to his wife and three children, including house rental, educational and medical expenses.

Garcia elevated the case to the Court of Appeals and questioned the constitutionality of RA 9262. The appellate court then dismissed his petition, prompting him to bring the case before the SC.

Garcia also claimed before the SC that the law violated his right to due process after the court issued a TPO preventing him from getting near his wife and their children.

FROM PAGE 20 “SC Upholds ...”

But the SC stressed he was given five days to appeal the TPO issued by the lower court.

“The respondent of a petition for protection or-der is apprised of the charges imputed to him and afforded an opportunity to present his side. Where opportunity to be heard, either through oral arguments or pleadings, is accorded, there is no denial of procedural due process,” the high court said.

The high tribunal also held there was no undue delegation of judicial power when a barangay chief issued an order asking Garcia to stop

harming or threatening to harm his wife and children.

“Such function of the Punong Barangay is thus purely executive in nature,” the SC pointed out.

On Garcia’s argument that RA 9262 is viola-tive of equal protection and due process, the SC ruled that the assailed law does not violate the equal protection clause by favoring women over men as victims of violence and abuse.

By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star)

Health, the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police and representatives from civil society and the Philippine Commission on Human Rights.

The theme of this year’s meeting is the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The negotiations leading to the adoption of agreed conclusions—the outcome document of the meeting—which will begin today, March 07 are closely watched given this year’s theme.

DFA.GOV.PHSource: Official Gazette www.gov.ph

FROM PAGE 20 “Deles Cites ...”

C. Wages

Monthly minimum: -National Capital Region: P2,500.00 -Cities and 1st class municipalities: P2,000.00 -Other municipalities: P1,500.00

-No other mode except by cash

13th month pay

D. Rights

Basic necessities: -3 meals a day -Humane sleeping condition -Rest and basic medical assistance

Daily rest period of 8 (total) hours Access to education and training Weekly rest period of 24 (uninterrupted) hours E. Benefits Upon 1 month: SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG -contributions to be paid by employer if wage of kasambahay is less than P5,000

Upon 1 year: 5-day annual service incentive leave with pay -shall be forfeited if not used and not convertible to cash

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“... unprecedented female triumvirate at the highest levels

of the justice system with the Supreme Court, Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, all headed by women ...”

“The assailed law does not violate the equal protection clause by favoring women over men as victims of violence and abuse.”

Traveling under the excruciating heat of the sun and the annoying traffic congestion was really worth the ex-perience upon seeing the women clad in wheelchairs, anxiously waiting at the gate with smiles on their faces.

The DOTC Task Force on Accessibility (DTFA), in its first outreach program, visited the women-workers at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. in Cainta, Rizal last 25 March 2013. This activity is in line with the celebra-tion of the Women’s Month in March and the declaration of the Women with Disabilities’ Day every last Monday of March.

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. headed by Ms. Joy C. Garcia, is a non-stock, non-profit and non-government organization that aims to uplift the lives of the orthopedically handicapped persons. It has five workshops, six dormitories for trainees who came from far provinces. It is a rehabilitation and skills training center with sheltered workshops where the PWDs are trained to be self-productive and self-reliant members of society.

Across the world, people with disabilities (PWDs) are entrepreneurs and self-employed workers, farmers and factory workers, doctors, and teachers, shop assistants and bus drivers, artists and computer operators. Almost all jobs can be performed by someone with disability and given the right environment; most people with dis-abilities can be productive.

Part of the program prepared by the DFTA was the open forum wherein the women with disabilities were given the opportunity to ask questions and to air their concerns pertaining to an accessible transport system.

There are so many things to be done yet in the transport sector, but with the support and leadership of Sec-retary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and Assistant Secretary Ildefonso T. Patdu, Jr, Head of the DOTC Task Force on Accessibility, an inclusive environment for PWDs will not just remain a dream.

There were games, prizes and fun for the PWDs in the afternoon. It may be a physically exhaustive day for us. But thank God for this privilege of reaching out and encouraging others that they can do better because we, the DOTC Family Cares.

C. Wages

Monthly minimum: -National Capital Region: P2,500.00 -Cities and 1st class municipalities: P2,000.00 -Other municipalities: P1,500.00

-No other mode except by cash

13th month pay

D. Rights

Basic necessities: -3 meals a day -Humane sleeping condition -Rest and basic medical assistance

Daily rest period of 8 (total) hours Access to education and training Weekly rest period of 24 (uninterrupted) hours E. Benefits Upon 1 month: SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG -contributions to be paid by employer if wage of kasambahay is less than P5,000

Upon 1 year: 5-day annual service incentive leave with pay -shall be forfeited if not used and not convertible to cash

A. Batas Kasambahay

“Kasambahay”: live-in or live-out general househelp yaya cook gardener laundry person 15 years old and above

Not “kasambahay”: service providers family drivers children under foster family arrangement persons who perform work occasionally and not on an occupational basis

B. Costs

Batas Kasambahay (Republic Act 10361 or “The Domestic Workers’ Act”)

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A Day at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan By Erlyn A. Aguinaldo

The DOTC Task Force on Accessibility during its outreach program at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. , with Ms Joy C. Garcia (center).

“Most people with disabilities can be productive. An inclusive environment for PWDs will not just remain a dream.”

| GAD and the Law | | Feature |

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