Bangkok, Thailand – The Department of Foreign Affairs recently provided focused training for Philippine diplomats assigned to overseas missions in the Asia-Pacific, on the promotion of “Gender and Development” (GAD) objectives.

The Regional Training on GAD was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 22-25 August 2023, to strengthen the institutional capacities and competencies of individual missions’ GAD Focal Point Officers (GFPO)

The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Shanghai was represented by its Cultural Officer and GFPO, Ms. Jeannie F. Petrola, who joined over 20 other GFPOs and officials from DFA-Manila at the event.

The training covered all key aspects of GAD promotion, such as the key concepts, GFPO system, the DFA’s GAD objectives, project planning and budgeting, gender sensitivity, gender-fair language, sexual harassment prevention and case administration, violence against women (VAW), and GAD as applied to the DFA’s assistance-to-nationals mandate.

In the interactive discussions and group activities, Ms. Petrola offered Shanghai PCG’s assessment and perspectives on GAD concerns of relevance to Filipinos residing in the financial capital, as well as the larger Yangtze River Delta Area. She also provided a survey of local laws, regulations and ordinances dealing with women’s rights and comprehensive advancement.

Shanghai PCG accords due importance to its own GAD program, and regularly undertakes GAD activities throughout the year, especially during Women’s Month in March and the 18-Day Campaign to end VAW. END