PHILIPPINES
Public Servants must lead the way in upholding policies promoting gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) in the workplace, the head of the Philippines Civil Service Commission (CSC) says.
CSC head Alicia dela Rosa-Bala (pictured) addressed a conference on social inclusion, saying some people still suffered from discrimination because of their age, disability, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation and social class.
“Everyone has specific and unique needs which must be addressed with sensitivity and responsiveness,” Ms Rosa-Bala said.
“Every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, has talents and skills that can contribute to the country’s development and economy.”
She cited Public Service rules of appointments that prohibited discriminatory practices in the implementation of the Agency Merit Selection Plan and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board.
Ms Rosa-Bala also cited a range of explanatory CSC guidelines covering a range of issues, from the establishment of daycare and breastfeeding centres to the use of non-sexist language in all official documents.
“The CSC developed knowledge products, including training modules for gender sensitivity seminars, sexual harassment, and a guidebook for gender-responsive communication for information offices,” she said.
“I believe that through this we are on a par with global human resource standards.”
Former Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Judy Taguiwalo told the conference the CSC was constitutionally mandated to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness and courtesy in the Public Service.
“It is duty bound to lead in ensuring gender responsiveness and equal opportunity in the workplace in the bureaucracy,” Ms Taguiwalo said.
The conference, which sought to increase awareness of GEDSI concepts and the importance of workplace inclusivity and diversity, was attended by CSC employees and representatives from other Government Agencies.
Manila, 31 August 2019
