DILIMAN, Quezon City — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted a seminar on gender-fair language on March 2, 2026 at the Rural Development Education Center (RDEC) inside the ATI Compound as part of its National Women’s Month celebration.
The activity aimed to promote inclusive communication and strengthen awareness on gender-sensitive language in the workplace. It also marked the start of ATI’s month-long celebration guided by the official theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” and the 2026 sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”
Mx. Bryon Neil A. Senga, researcher, development worker, Gender and Development (GAD) and LGBTQI rights advocate, and Senior Programs Officer of Babaylanes, Inc., led the seminar and discussed key concepts on gender-fair language, including the difference between sex and gender.
Senga explained that sex refers to biological characteristics used to classify a person as male or female, while gender refers to the roles and expectations assigned by society. Senga also discussed linguistic bias and explained how everyday language can reflect assumptions and stereotypes related to gender roles.
In her closing remarks, ATI Assistant Director Antonieta J. Arceo thanked Senga for sharing key insights on gender-fair language and related concepts. She emphasized the need to strengthen ATI’s gender-related initiatives through clearer guidelines and workplace policies that promote inclusive and gender-sensitive communication within the Institute.
ATI also lined up several activities that recognize the contributions of women and strengthen the integration of Gender and Development (GAD) principles across its programs and workplace practices.
Written by: John Harrold F. Ambrosio
