PILILLA, Rizal (PIA)— Rizal Information Officers’ League (RIOL) members undergo a Gender and Development capability development activity in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Rizal on March 22 at the Pililla Windmill Visitors’ Center.
The RIOL-organized capability development initiative is in line with National Women’s Month to integrate Gender and Development in information officers’ line of work.
PCW resource speaker Gillian Cortez discussed public information officers’ roles in Gender and Development, particularly in media and communication of government information.
Like the state and church, Cortez said the media plays a significant role in gender perception and emphasized the need for gender sensitivity and gender-fair language in public information activities.
“Gender and Development is not a war between women and men,” Cortez stressed, citing that GAD exists to address existing gender inequalities in which women have been historically disadvantaged.
Cortez also focused on the non-derogatory portrayal of women in media, avoidance of gender stereotyping, balanced representation, and gender-sensitive language in public service.
“As public information officers, we should refrain from framing women or anyone in a derogatory matter since it would reflect on our local government units,” Cortez said.
RIOL President and Tanay PIO Joicee Jules Gapido highlight the importance of gender-fair language, especially in government information.
“As PIO, tayo yung bridge sa ating community kaya kailangan maayos ang ating pinapakitang images at maayos ang ginagamit nating mga salitang ginagamit natin sa ating mga write up,” Gapido said.
Pililla Municipal Administrator and PIO designate John Masinsin also thanked RIOL, PIA, and PCW for the GAD initiative held at the town. (GG/PIA-Rizal)
Rizal IOs trained in gender sensitivity, media guidelines
By Kier Gideon Paolo Gapayao
