OCA-GAD Facilitates Training for Trainors: A Step for a Gender Transformative Period

Dr. Gina Opiniano in the middle with OCA GAD Focal Person Principal Assistant Raymond Cusipag (left) and Principal Assistant Ana Angela Cabillan (right) with the GAD Committee Members. (Photo courtesy of OCA-PAU)

MANILA 02 April 2025 – Last 19 and 21 March 2025, the DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) conducted a training for its GAD members entitled, “GAD Training for Trainors” at the OCA lobby. It ensured the preparedness of the GAD focal persons or “GADvocates” in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities in achieving a Gender Transformative Future. 

The training commenced with a welcome remark by Assistant Secretary Ma. Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena where she emphasized the importance of holding this training not only for the OCA employees but also for the clients. As a frontline office, it is important to gain knowledge and sensitivity to gender issues in order to provide quality consular service. 

The training discussion on the first day focused on the legal bases of Gender and Development and its importance, especially the Magna Carta of Women. It further dived into the important actors, DFA-GAD Mandate and Agenda, and Committee on Decorum and Investigation, in maintaining a harassment-free work environment . On its second day, the GADvocates were able to have a group activity in which they presented various GAD proposals to keep the objectives in line with their advocacies. One of its initiatives is the GADvisory, an infographic to be released every month for the whole year with regard to Gender and Development.

The Department is highly supportive of the continued initiatives of GAD Committee in bringing forth the Twin Goals of Gender and Development, which are Gender Equality, and Women Empowerment. END

DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Assistant Secretary Ma. Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena during her welcome remarks. (Photo courtesy of  OCA-PAU)

GAD Committee members during the preparation of GAD initiative presentation. (Photo courtesy of OCA-PAU)