As part of this year’s celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) conducted a Training on Gender-Fair Communication for Regional and Field Office Personnel on March 26, 2026, at the DILG-NCR Regional Office, North Avenue, Quezon City.

Welcoming the participants, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, underscored the importance of using inclusive and gender-fair language as a meaningful step toward dismantling unconscious biases and building a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and represented.

“As our society evolves, so too must the way we communicate. We are now called to be more intentional and more mindful—to ensure that our words uphold dignity, inclusivity, and equality for all,” ARD Baltazar-Cortez emphasized.

The session was facilitated by LGOO V/Regional Information Officer Ronald R. Portales from the Public Information Unit of the Office of the Regional Director, who also serves as a member of the DILG-NCR GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Committee on Training and Advocacy.

In his discussion, LGOO V Portales shared good practices in the use of non-sexist language in official government communications based on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2005. He also presented the 10 principles of gender-responsive communications for development, which include ensuring fair visibility, portraying diversity, presenting facts, and using gender-responsive language.

To formally conclude the activity, Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) Acting Chief Edgar A. Pacaño, Jr. urged participants to continue integrating gender sensitivity in workplace communication to help promote a more inclusive and equitable public service environment.

The Training on Gender-Fair Communication serves as the final learning session scheduled for the month of March under the Women LEAD: Advancing Human Resource Development by Fostering Inclusive, Resilient, Safe, and Transformative Spaces (HRD FIRSTS) Program. As the Women’s Month draws to a close, the Department reaffirms its commitment to championing gender equality and women’s empowerment by fostering awareness, strengthening capacities, and nurturing safe spaces for all employees and stakeholders.