Quezon City, Philippines - The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) joined the national celebration of Women’s Month last March with the theme, “Babae sa lahat ng sektor, aangat ang bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” through various activities that promoted women’s empowerment and equal opportunities and rights for all genders.
“Champions of Change” showcased stories and experiences of six women in their respective fields held last March 27,2025 at Rural Development Education Center. ATI Assistant Director Antonieta Arceo opened the activity and emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions and promoting gender-sensitivity. She also encouraged diverse perspectives from different fields and professions and expressed hope that the employees would gain valuable insights to improve the organization's program.
Among the featured women champions was Janice Melody D. Adolfo, a dedicated mother of six and an expert in disaster relief. She spent over two decades at the Philippine Red Cross, leading countless large-scale operations. She passionately advocates for women to not just witness change, but to be part of it.
Another activity that marked the month-long celebration was the Gender Sensitivity Orientation, conducted in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). Kim Harold Peji of PCW led the orientation as he highlighted the basic gender and development concepts and emphasized the equal opportunities and rights for all genders. He also discussed the difference between sex and gender wherein sex is biological differences between men and women while gender is a socially constructed role, behavior, and expectation associated with each sex.
In her message, Ms. Ruben Rabino, Administrative Officer I, expressed appreciation for the program and emphasized the importance of maintaining the learnings and promoting gender equality. “I hope more employees will participate in these kinds of activities and that ATI will become a safe space for all genders, promoting gender equality,” she said.
This event reflects ATI’s commitment to building an inclusive and empowering environment for everyone.
(With reports from CARM)
