25 November 2013 marks a milestone in the Gender and Development (GAD) Program of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) as its Chief Operating Officer, Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III signs TPB’s GAD Policy Declaration. The signing was done together with the officials of TPB’s GAD Focal Point System (TPB-GFPS) Ms. Stanie D. Soriano, alternate Chairperson and its members Ms. Edith A. Pagdanganan and Ms. Tess H. Mauricio. Also present were the members of theTechnical Working Group representing the different sectors of the Corporation: Fe F. Vizconde and Annabelle F. Balboa representing the M.I.C.E., Tourism Investment Promotions and Business Development Sector, Jose Ma. S. Gutierrez and Jaimee Lyn C. Descaliar representing the Marketing and Promotions Sector, Artemio S. Maunahan and Edita P. Colon representing the Marketing Communications Office, Pauline H. Lazaro representing the Corporate Planning Office, Ma. Luisa T. Cruz and Victoria D. Supillo representing the Finance Department, Estefania Julieta F. Bolante and Diana D. Sarmiento representing the Management Information System Office, and Janet W. Canoy and Prescila D. Sevilla representing the Human Resources Division.
TPB’s GAD Policy Declaration outlines guidelines and procedures for the establishment, strengthening and institutionalization of gender equality in the TPB in order to make all its programs and projects gender sensitive and gender responsive. It was an output of the TPB-GFPS during its GAD Planning and Budgeting Workshop conducted last 29 – 31 July, 2013 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Malate, Manila by Ms. Katherine C. Viñegas and Ms.Jemelle Z. Milanes of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
The momentous signing coincides with thecelebration of 25 November and every year thereafter as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) and Children pursuant to Republic Act 10398 signed by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino.