MOAO Conducts Training on the Safe Spaces Act

PASAY CITY 07 March 2022 – In celebration of National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day on 08 March 2022, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) conducted an onsite training for its personnel, including its outsourced personnel, on Republic Act 11313: An Act Defining Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Streets, Public Spaces, Online, Workplaces, and Educational or Training Institutions, Providing Protective Measures and Prescribing Penalties Therefor on 07 March 2022.

In line with the Philippine Commission on Women’s theme for 2022 “WE Make CHANGE Work for WOMEN- Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran”, the training highlighted the special role of women in the workplace and enhancing the knowledge and awareness of MOAO personnel on gender and development issues and concerns, with a view to increase mindfulness of the importance of creating gender-oriented and gender-responsive office policies and processes.

The training, facilitated by Ms. Josephine Gabriel-Banaag, a member of the pool of experts of the Philippine Commission on Women, stressed the importance of public awareness for the successful implementation of the Safe Spaces Act. Her presentation defined Gender-Based Violence and its difference from Violence Against Women, the coverage of punishable acts and penalties of RA 11313, and identified where one could seek help.

In her closing remarks, Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce urged MOAO personnel, including its outsourced personnel, to continuously update themselves of relevant legislations and regulations that ensure equality, security and safety of every individual, in both private and public spaces, including online and in workplaces. She further encouraged the participants to pass on what they have learned in the training to their families, peers, and communities. END