SAN JOSE, Province of Dinagat Islands – Aiming to create a harmonious, safe, and inclusive workplace and training environment, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Program, conducted the Training on Gender Sensitivity and Safe Spaces Act on July 3-5, 2024.

This is to raise the level of awareness that covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public places, educational or training institutions, workplaces, as well as online spaces. Moreover, this was done to promote a healthy, dynamic, and empowered team towards the achievement of good results within the institute.

It was participated by 50 individuals composed of 40 ATI staff and 10 OJTs from Agusan del Sur State College and Agricultural Technology (ASSCAT).

“We are created equal; male and female, men and women. We should treat each other with respect because all deserve to be respected,” said Violeta T. Laguna, OIC-Asst. Center Director of ATI-RTC XIII.

Mr. Edso Alijo, Information Officer III from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, serves as the resource person during the three-day training.

Topics on the basics of GAD, concepts of SOGIE, Gender-based violence, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877), and Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) were discussed.

“This is an eye-opener training for me. I have learned a lot and understood new concepts about gender. We need to be sensitive, open-minded, and respect each other,” said Carl Joseph Campo, one of the partakers from the Admin and Finance Unit.

Further, Ligaya Antiola, Administrative Officer II, retorted that she had learned more about what to do when violence occurs. She added, “It is more important to train ourselves not to hurt our fellow in any way possible.”