QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participated in the Capacity Building and Workshop on the Integration of Gender and Development (GAD), Gender-Fair Language, and ILO C190 into DOLE’s Advocacy Strategies for Batas Kasambahay (#ParaKayK) Implementation and the Family Welfare Program, held from July 28 to August 1, 2025, at the Hive Hotel and Convention Place in Quezon City.

The five-day workshop brought together Labor Information Officers (LIOs), GAD focal persons, and program focal representatives from various DOLE regional offices. Representing ILS were Mr. Marvin Cabangunay, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of the Advocacy and Publications Division (APD) and ILS’ designated LIO, and Ms. Joan N. Comillo, also a Senior Labor and Employment Officer and a member of the ILS GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Technical Working Group on Policy, Advocacy, and Communications. 

The training focused on enhancing communication strategies, integrating gender perspectives in messaging, and promote the production of gender-sensitive digital content for DOLE programs, contributing to the implementation of the DOLE GAD Advocacy and Communication Plan. 

A key highlight of the event was the Gawad LIO, an awarding ceremony that recognizes LIOs and offices for their excellence in implementation of the DOLE Communication Program for FY 2024. ILS was honored with a Platinum Award, the highest distinction conferred by the Information and Publication Service (IPS), for its “Outstanding” implementation of the DOLE Communication Plan for FY 2024. The award was received by Mr. Marvin Cabangunay on behalf of the Institute.

Director Rosalinda P. Pineda of the DOLE – Information and Publication Service (IPS) noted that the Platinum Award recognizes agencies that demonstrated commendable public information campaigns through consistent production of press releases, effective media engagement, successful implementation of a communications plan, and strategic use of quad media for public awareness. ILS shared the distinction with DOLE Regional Offices V, VIII, XI, and Caraga. 

Following the awarding, participants continued with a series of lectures and workshops facilitated by Mr. Elmer Harold O. Grande, a communications consultant and knowledge management specialist. The sessions guided the participants in applying gender-fair language, aligning outputs with government reporting standards, and promoting inclusive messaging across DOLE platforms.

Workshop outputs, including social media cards, news releases, and audio-visual presentations, were presented and reviewed by a panel composed of DOLE Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes, Information and Publication Service Director Rosalinda P. Pineda, Human Resource Development Service Director Brenalyn A. Peji (2nd from right), Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns OIC-Director Leilani M. Reynoso, DOLE National Capital Region, GAD Focal and CAMANAVA Field Office Director Rowella V. Grande, and Resource Speaker Mr. Elmer Harold O. Grande.

The event concluded with closing remarks from DOLE Undersecretary for Workers’ Welfare and Protection Cluster, Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, who congratulated the participants and awardees for their active engagement and notable contributions. Undersecretary Benavidez emphasized the importance of aligning and mainstreaming gender-responsive policies across all DOLE programs to ensure inclusivity and equality remain at the core of the Department’s initiatives.

Organized by the BWSC and DOLE-IPS, the capacity-building initiative supports the directive of DOLE Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma to continuously build the capacity of DOLE personnel for improved program delivery and implementation.

As the policy research and advocacy arm of DOLE, ILS remains committed to uphold this directive through its communication program and activities. These efforts are regularly disseminated on the Institute’s official website at www.ils.dole.gov.ph and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ilsdoleofficial/.

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