Quezon PGAD intensifies gender awareness through Gender Sensitivity Trainings

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Assistant Department Head Sedfrey Potestades with Quezon Science High School personnel during the Basic Gender Sensit...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Assistant Department Head Sedfrey Potestades with Quezon Science High School personnel during the Basic Gender Sensitivity Training on March 20, 2026, in Lucban, Quezon, promoting gender-responsive and inclusive leadership. (Quezon PGAD)

LUCBAN, Quezon - In line with its continuing drive to advance gender equality and inclusive governance, the Quezon Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office has intensified gender sensitivity initiatives across the province. The move reinforces the provincial government’s effort to integrate gender-responsive approaches into public service and community engagement.

During the observance of National Women’s Month, the PGAD Office rolled out Gender Sensitivity Trainings (GST) involving local stakeholders and persons deprived of liberty. The sessions aimed to deepen understanding of gender issues and promote respect for diversity across sectors.



Core discussions covered gender roles, equality, and gender sensitivity as foundational concepts for participants. These sessions encouraged participants to apply these principles in governance and decision-making processes.

Alongside the trainings, the PGAD Office conducted Gender and Development (GAD) planning and budgeting seminars for local government units. These activities aim to strengthen the capacity of LGUs to integrate gender-responsive strategies into policies, programs, and resource allocation.

The office also implemented Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Their Children Everywhere (MOVE) seminars as part of its advocacy efforts. The initiative seeks to engage men as active partners in preventing gender-based violence and promoting safer communities.

Sedfrey Potestades, Assistant Department Head of the PGAD Office, underscored the importance of sustained education and shared accountability in advancing gender equality. He said awareness must be translated into concrete and community-based action.

“Ang gender sensitivity ay hindi lamang kaalaman kundi isang pananagutan na dapat isabuhay sa araw-araw,” ani Potestades. “Mahalaga ang papel ng bawat isa sa paghubog ng isang lipunang may paggalang at pagkakapantay-pantay.”

“Sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagsasanay at edukasyon, mas napapalakas natin ang kakayahan ng komunidad na itaguyod ang karapatan ng lahat,” aniya. “Ang pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa tamang pag-unawa at sama-samang pagkilos.”

The initiative reflects the Provincial Government of Quezon’s continuing effort to promote inclusive and equitable communities. It also supports the institutionalization of gender-responsive governance across the province.

With sustained training and coordination seen as critical, gaps in awareness and implementation may persist without consistent engagement at the local level. Strengthening community participation and institutional support remains key to ensuring that gender equality efforts lead to lasting impact.