By Brian Jules Campued
In celebration of the boundless contributions of Filipinas in ushering in a gender-equal and inclusive “Bagong Pilipinas”, the People’s Television Network (PTV), through its Gender Focal Point System (GFPS), conducted various events to join the country this National Women’s Month 2024.
FAIRy GAD Natin ‘To
The month-long bazaar featured several delicacies and refreshments prepared by female employees of the Network as well as products from invited small businesses—aimed at generating extra income to women entrepreneurs of PTV.
Some of the foods sold in the women-led bazaar are street foods, snacks, rice and viands, as well as beverages such as coffee and lemonade.
Zumba Sessions
Recognizing the importance of employee health and wellness, the network also conducted Zumba sessions every Friday of March which invited PTV personnel to take some time off and exercise.
According to the PTV-GFPS, the said program was also in line with the Health Promotion Framework Strategy of the Civil Service Commission.
Gender Sensitivity Training
Meanwhile, challenges being faced by women in the Philippines—such as gender bias, stereotypes, gender-related violence—were discussed during the Gender Sensitivity Training, also led by PTV-GFPS on March 15.
Fernando Porio, Director IV of the Civil Service Institute, spearheaded the seminar and talked about ending gender-related issues through increased public awareness, countering prejudice, as well as pushing for an inclusive society.
Purple Fridays
The PTV-GFPS likewise enjoined Network employees to wear anything purple on all Fridays of the month (excluding March 29, Good Friday) to signify support for gender equality and women empowerment.
Offices were also decorated with something purple, according to PTV-GPFS.
In a speech during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the FAIRy GAD Bazaar, PTV General Manager Analisa V. Puod called on the public to “take action” and make “positive change” for women.
“Together we can develop innovative ideas to elevate our work and bring us, PTV, to the next level,” GM Puod said.
She also vowed to ensure that the budget for efforts related to Gender and Development (GAD) of the Network will be fully utilized as it is a “vital priority” of the Marcos administration.
“Hindi lang po ‘yung para ma-fulfill natin ‘yung commitment natin sa batas na ginagamit yung fund ng PTV for GAD-related projects, but para magamit din para sa kabutihan ng mga babae sa PTV,” she added.
“Let’s celebrate women this March and forever,” GM Puod said. – avds
