Senator Legarda Emphasizes the Use of Gender Lens in Policy-making
(L-R) Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose, Senator Loren B. Legarda, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, and FSI Assistant Secretary Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III during the closing ceremony
PASAY 26 March 2024 – The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) successfully held its latest Partners’ Lecture Series (PLS) on 21 March 2024 at the Carlos P. Romulo Library, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The guest of honor and speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, spoke about “Technology, Evolution, and Gender to Inform and Prioritize Policy”. Her speech highlighted these three fields of study, emphasizing their potential to change the landscape of policymaking and drive innovation in all government programs.
Senator Legarda was welcomed by Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and FSI Director-General, Assistant Secretary Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III. Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose introduced her to the audience composed of members of the Diplomatic Corps, DFA and FSI personnel, and the academic community.
During her address, Senator Legarda emphasized that technology should not merely be a driving force but an integral part of all decision-making processes. She highlighted the dual aspects of promise and threat associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the challenges posed by computer learning and data analysis in shaping policy decisions, and the array of opportunities for problem-solving through innovation.
She further noted the importance of bridging generational gaps and promoting innovative approaches through collaborative research, diplomatic training, cultural exchanges, cross-disciplinary global initiatives, and global cooperation in disaster preparedness and response. Senator Legarda also stressed the significance of public diplomacy campaigns involving youth, media literacy, and mentorship in critical thinking.
On the use of the gender lens in policy-making, she addressed the Philippine Foreign Service personnel: “We must not think of gender as a separate field as it actually transcends all fields. The Foreign Service happens to be a vanguard in this area. It is only right to expect the highest levels of progressiveness in gender balance and seek as much inclusivity as possible in previously ignored fields. Quite apart from your regular duties such as negotiation of international agreements that touch on gender, the women-led foreign service must serve as a beacon guiding not just the DFA but influencing the entire civil service to pursue excellence in highlighting the critical issues of our time.”
Senator Legarda ended her speech by encouraging active participation in discussions across various fora to contribute insights on the Philippines' ongoing journey. She emphasized the challenge of mobilizing citizens to deliver quality education and address climate and biodiversity crises by integrating technology, evolution, and gender inclusiveness as crucial elements in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Partners’ Lecture Series is a platform that FSI launched in 2023 for heads of government agencies and other organizations to share knowledge, priorities, and advocacies with the DFA. END
Senator Loren B. Legarda during her keynote speech