TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - To promote inclusive language in communication and government service delivery, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) initiated a two-day webinar on the use of gender-neutral language in all forms of communication and social media posting.

The webinar was attendedby officials from the uniformed service, government communicators, and local media in the Cagayan Valley Region. 

PIA Deputy Director-General Ares Gutierrez, chairperson of the agency’s Gender and Development Focal Point System, emphasized the importance of ensuring gender-fair and gender-sensitive language in the performance and delivery of government services to the public. 

He urged the participants to always consider women’s voices in crafting stories geared towards peace and development in society. 

“Every time we ensure gender fairness in our service, we further empower the women and other sectors who were previously taken for granted,” he said. 

“In this advocacy, we build a future where every woman, child, and marginalized sector can soar uninhibited. We give importance to their contributions in the community and we are proud in PIA that we do this not only during women’s month,” added Gutierrez. 

PIA Regional Director Angely Lubo-Mercado also said the webinar is an initiative of PIA to recognize and appreciate the contributions of individuals regardless of gender.

She said the activity also aims to challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society where everyone is acknowledged, heard, and respected.

“The use of inclusive language is a reflection of our commitment to equality and respect for all genders,” said Mercado.

Mac Paul V. Alariao, a member of the pool of resource speakers of the Philippine Commission on Women, and Kier Gideon Gapayao, information officer of the PIA Program Management Division, discussed gender portrayal, representation, stereotyping, and language. 

Mac Paul Alariao of the Philippine Commission on Women, Atty. Cecilia Lazaro of the Commission on Human Rights, and Kier Gideon Gapayao of the Philippine Information Agency Central Office discuss the legal bases, gender stereotypes, and the use of gender-neutral language during the webinar on gender and development in Cagayan Valley Region. (Photo by PIA) 

The two lecturers encouraged every participant to raise public consciousness about gender issues and promote and preserve the dignity of men and women by empowering them to know their rights.

Cecilia G. Melad-Lazaro, chief legal officer of the Commission on Human Rights, also presented the legal bases, and the do’s and don’ts in using gender-fair language.

Lazaro also discussed some case studies in observance of the use of gender-fair language. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)