By Analiza S. Ileto

Gender equality is a human fight, not a female fight.

A vital aspect of education is to teach children the key aspects of gender sensitivity, including respect for the other genders. Youngsters should be trained in this critical aspect of life both at home and in the classroom. After all, studies have revealed that the attitude towards gender is formed at a very young age. Children are quick to internalize gender roles, norms, discrimination, and stereotypical behavior by observing their parents, family members, teachers, and caregivers. Gender discrimination is often the root cause in the perpetuation of inequalities, neglect, abuse and even violence.

Educational parity has been and will continue to be a key priority for the Provincial Government of Bulacan under the leadership of the Honorable Daniel R. Fernando, as education has long been considered the most effective instrument for people’s freedom, as well as the most crucial aspect in eradicating poverty, empowering individuals, and increasing human rights. While pursuing the vision of “Education for All” and the particular goals set in the Millennium Development Goal Proclamation signed in September of 2000, the legislative procedures, financing priorities, and increased access, gender issues such as high female dropout rates owing to lack of financial assistance, failure to be admitted to university due to failing entrance tests or not reaching academic grade standards to be eligible to enter the university, and lack of parental support have not been addressed adequately.

Through People’s Agenda 10, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) has committed to developing effective programs and policies that promote education as a fundamental tool for fostering socioeconomic development. Consequently, the issuance of Executive Order 004, Series of 2019, Executive Order 009, Series of 2020, Executive Order 033 Series of 2020, and Executive Order 039 Series of 2020 on the “Tulong PangEdukasyon para sa Bulakenyo” implemented through the Provincial Administrator’s Office, Barangay Governance and Special Projects Division, and Barangay Governance and Special Projects Division has become an effective mechanism for carrying out the program and addressing significant issues.

The objectives of the scholarship programs are:

• To ameliorate the financial burden brought on by the rising cost of higher education and living expenditures.
• To aid in estimating the cost of textbooks, projects, the thesis, transportation, and other related expenses.
• Using effective beneficiary-targeting tactics to enable and maximize the use of government funds intended for children.
• To provide access to high-quality educational opportunities by ensuring uniformity, continuity, and effective coordination.
• To provide educational and financial assistance through tuition fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
• To assist with the cost of books, research, theses, transportation, school supplies, and other educational necessities and requirements.

Hence, as a direct result, the educational scholarship program offered by the Provincial Government of Bulacan for traditional and non-traditional courses has been considerably improved. With the DRAFT continued success of the implementation and the effective executive execution of the program, education is, without a doubt, the solution for enhancing women’s empowerment and national development.

By Analiza S. Ileto

Gender equality is a human fight, not a female fight.

Every parent wants their child to grow into a compassionate adult. The first step in that direction is teaching them gender sensitivity. By creating an environment of respect and understanding, your child will learn that the differences between themselves and their peers will only enrich their friendships.

Many single parents are oblivious that they are entitled to these benefits and do not know how to register for them. It includes financial support for single parents. However, most of them are unaware of the benefits they can provide. The study demonstrates that discrimination is least apparent in the lived experiences of unmarried parents. Even though most employers state that they do not discriminate, it is often a giant red flag when an applicant is a single mother. The employer often assumes that hiring a single mother can adversely affect the company. Examples: loss of time on the job from problems with childcare. Calls received during working hours. Loss of concentration on the job when the child is ill and sick days taken when a child cannot go to childcare providers. Even pestering fellow employees with school fundraising programs are a concern with employers.

Hence, the Gender Sensitivity Training is aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the roles of women and men in society, increase the level of awareness on gender and development, and address gender-related issues in society particularly in the national government sector.

By Analiza S. Ileto

Gender equality is a human fight, not a female fight.

To assist the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in achieving gender-responsive program planning and budgeting, the PDRRMO conducted an exclusive capacity building in the preparation of the GAD PLANNING AND BUDGETING AND GAD ANNUAL REPORT, in which all program implementers and focal persons participated. Ms. Analiza S. Ileto, chair of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS)- Technical Working Group (TWG), has conducted the training. Numerous issues and concerns have been voiced as to why GAD was allocated a small portion of the budget. Ms. Ileto has therefore responded to their questions and instructed the employees of the agency to conduct a gender analysis and generate data for the effective conduct of a gender analysis to develop an excellent plan.