ILOILO CITY (PIA) — A total of 59 members of the Association of Regional Information Officers in Western Visayas (ARIO-WV) Inc. and employees of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Western Visayas have been taught basic concepts in gender-fair and gender-sensitive reporting dubbed “Empower.”
West Visayas State University faculty member Lara Jeunesse Villaruel imparted lessons on topics such as usage of gender-neutral alternatives; watching the use of pronouns by switching to “they” and “their”; losing the gender descriptors; avoiding cliches; and keeping it relevant, for instance, stop talking about a woman’s appearance or relationship status rather than her professional accomplishments.
“Information officers play a crucial role in gender mainstreaming by influencing perceptions, shaping narratives, and providing platforms for diverse voices. Our roles include advocacy, education, representation, scrutiny, and mobilization,” Villaruel emphasized.
She further cited that while the media has the potential to promote gender equality, it is essential to be aware of the potential for reinforcing stereotypes or prioritizing commercial interests over gender equality.
The activity is part of the annual general assembly of ARIO-WV held at the operations room of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Apart from the gender and development (GAD) activity, the morning session also consisted of a lecture on Media and Information Literacy (MIL): Dismissing Disinformation and Fact-Checking by PIA Capiz Government Information Center Coordinator Alex Lumaque.
Likewise, Commission on Elections (Comelec) representatives Election Officer III Noredith Pagcaliwangan and Election Officer II Ruel Fajarillo conducted a Voter Education and Automated Counting Machine (ACM) Demonstration in the afternoon. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)
