18 March 2014- In an effort to strengthen the consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services of the Philippine Embassy in Amman, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conducted a lecture series and training activity on Gender and Development (GAD) and Violence against Women (VAW) for Embassy personnel, including local hires, officers and staff of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Agency (OWWA).

The lecture was held as part of the DFA’s continuing program on raising the awareness of its personnel on gender issues and the impact upon the welfare and personal safety of migrant workers.

Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Olivia V. Palala and Consul Cassandra Karemaeh B. Sawadjaan led the roster of 21 participants who attended the training activity from March 4 to 5. The 83 wards of the Embassy shelter participated as well.

The lecture series was spearheaded by a team led by DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus Yabes, and included DFA Special Assistant Renato Villa and DFA-GAD Secretariat Head Atty. Dyan Kristine Miranda-Pastrana. The team focused on imparting best practices in handling VAW cases and the administrative guidelines on sexual harassment.

While in Amman, the team also dedicated time to meet with the wards of the Embassy shelter and provided them with advice and counsel. END