The DILG Navotas Field Office, headed by OIC-City Director Ana Jury H. Castillo, CESE, in partnership with the Navotas City Public Information Office (PIO), successfully concluded a productive and insightful two-day Seminar-Workshop on Gender-Fair Communication held on November 6â7, 2025, at St. Giles Hotel, Makati City.
The activity brought together all PIO personnel for an intensive learning experience aimed at deepening their understanding and application of gender-fair and inclusive communication. The workshop forms part of the City Governmentâs commitment to promoting gender sensitivity and advancing equality in all official communications, in line with the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710).
LGOO V Mandy O. Alqueza led the first day of the workshop, providing participants with a strong foundation on the principles of gender-fair communication. She also discussed both local and international laws supporting gender-fair language and emphasized its importance in government messaging. Through interactive discussions, LGOO V Alqueza illustrated how gender biases can unconsciously appear in everyday communication and guided participants on strategies to avoid them.
On the second day, Regional Information Officer Ronald R. Portales facilitated hands-on sessions that allowed participants to apply what they had learned. He presented real-world cases of gender-fair and gender-biased communication, prompting participants to analyze, critique, and propose improved versions. RIO Portales also introduced the concept of gender-fair visual communication, highlighting how imagery plays a crucial role in shaping public perception.
Participants also openly discussed how such advisories, social media posts, and public announcements can reflect gender-fair principles in their city. They shared personal takes on gender biases based on their personal experiences and how they encounter scenarios in the workplace.
By the end of the workshop, participants expressed confidence in integrating gender-sensitive language and visuals into their daily outputs. The Navotas City PIO affirmed that the learnings from the activity will reinforce the City Governmentâs commitment to promoting inclusivity, respect, and equality in its communication efforts moving forward.
In closing, the City Government of Navotas and the DILG Navotas Field Office reaffirm that this initiative is only one of many steps toward fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and people-centered local governance.
As a champion of gender sensitivity and participatory governance, the DILG National Capital Region continues to invest in capability development programs that empower local governments to communicate more responsibly, deliver services more effectively, and create spaces where all voices are valued. Through sustained training, strengthened partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, the Department ensures that its advocacy for gender-fair and inclusive governance is also practiced, lived, and embedded across all levels of public service.