15 June 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi conducted its quarterly activity on Gender and Development, with the aim to enhance Embassy Personnel’s effectiveness in addressing gender-based issues, at the Embassy premises on May 20.

In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. highlighted the importance of the activity, noting the big number of Filipinos living in the UAE. Ms. Iman Suguitan, Managing Director of Ahsant Premium Hotel Supplies & Specialized Gifts, and Co-Founder of the social enterprise “OFW para sa Magsasaka,” was the guest speaker for the lecture.

Ms. Suguitan’s lecture entitled “Understanding Arab History and Culture, with emphasis on the Rights and Roles of Women,” gave an overview of the ethics and daily life of Arabs and discussed the roles and importance of women in pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. The image of modern-day women in the UAE was also tackled as part of the discussion. She also emphasized that cultural awareness forms part of the success of every overseas Filipino or any other national.

The lecture and open forum gave the participants a better appreciation of Arab culture. In attendance were officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Office of the Social Welfare Attaché, Social Security System (SSS) and Pag-IBIG in Abu Dhabi. END