Anti-sexual harassment initiatives gain ground in PIA Caraga
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY (PIA)—In its continued commitment to uphold a safe, respectful, and empowering work environment, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga has intensified its initiatives against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Through strengthened policies, awareness sessions, and gender-sensitivity training, the agency reinforces its zero-tolerance stance on all forms of harassment, ensuring that every employee is protected, heard, and valued.
In the recently conducted one-day orientation on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, and the agency’s policies on Anti-Sexual Harassment, employees of PIA Caraga gained deeper insights into the principles of Gender and Development (GAD).
PIA Caraga Regional Head Venus L. Garcia, in her opening remarks emphasized the essential need of gender-fair communication in the conduct of the respective functions of the agency’s employees in PIA’s mandate as one of the government communicators in the country.
“As employees of PIA, it is not only our duty to disseminate accurate and meaningful information to the public, but also to foster a work environment that reflects our shared values of inclusivity, respect, integrity, and equality for all,” said Garcia.
“Understanding these policies and laws and issues will help us create a more inclusive and respectful agency, and strengthens our role as communicators and public servants,” she added.
With the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga serving as resource person, the activity emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free workplace where all employees can thrive.
Oliver O. Salino, a training specialist of CHR Caraga and certified member of the National Gender and Development Resource Pool, highlighted the relevance of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, underscoring the government’s obligation to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and ensure their rights are protected, fulfilled, and respected.
He emphasized that understanding this law is crucial in promoting gender equality and creating a work culture that upholds the dignity and well-being of every employee, regardless of gender.
“As the Gender Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, the Commission on Human Rights plays a vital role in monitoring the implementation of gender-related laws and addressing gender-based discrimination and violence,” he stressed.
He also reaffirmed their mandate to protect and promote the rights of women and other marginalized sectors, while encouraging government agencies like PIA Caraga to strengthen their gender mainstreaming efforts and provide safe spaces for all employees.
“You are a person, you are entitled to human rights. Whether you are a person deprived of liberty (PDL), person with disabilities (PWDs), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus community (LGBTQIA+), male, or female, as long as you are a human being, you have human rights,” he said.
“Gender-based sexual harassment is not merely a workplace issue, but a serious form of gender-based violence that violates a person’s dignity, safety, and human rights. It is rooted in power imbalance and gender inequality. Addressing it requires not only policies, but a cultural shift towards respect, accountability, and gender sensitivity in our institutions,” he underscored.
The orientation also emphasized the importance of Republic Act 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, and Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. “RA 7877 laid the foundation for protecting individuals from sexual harassment in work, education, and training environments, while RA 11313 expanded these protections to include all public spaces, both physical and online,” Salino cited.
“Together, these laws strengthen the legal framework for addressing gender-based sexual harassment and reinforce every person’s right to feel safe, respected, and protected from abuse and discrimination in all aspects of daily life,” he added.
The PIA Caraga employees have expressed their full commitment to support and heightened advocacy against discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace by promoting a culture of respect, gender sensitivity, and accountability. Through active participation in gender-related initiatives and adherence to existing laws and internal policies, they aim to help create a safer, more inclusive, and empowering work environment for all. (JPG, PIA Caraga)
