In a continued effort to promote gender mainstreaming, the Malaybalay City Government held its sixth batch of the Basic Gender and Development (GAD) Concepts with Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC) Orientation on August 14, 2025. The event, which took place at The Garden Events Venue, is a key component of the city’s commitment to gender equality as mandated by the Magna Carta of Women and in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. The workshop was led by Dr. Sansehry B. Delos Santos, an advocate and active member of Region X’s Regional Pool of GAD Resource Persons, Batch I. She also serves as a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) of the Malaybalay City Local Government Unit. Additionally, she is the Division Head of the Career and Performance Management Division, holding the position of Supervising Administrative Officer (HRMO IV) at the City Human Resource and Management Office. Her expertise provided valuable insights into the crucial role of GAD and SOGIESC in public service.
The orientation equipped employees with a deeper understanding of gender concepts that go beyond the traditional binary thereby fostering a more inclusive and respectful workplace. The program’s interactive format, which included a plenary discussion, a workshop, and an open forum, encouraged participants to reflect on the material, share insights, written commitment and apply inclusive practices to their professional roles. This initiative highlights the Malaybalay City Government’s proactive commitment to creating a safe and equitable environment for both its employees and constituents.
Report: Dr. Sansehry B. Delos Santos