THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority lined up various activities for women as part of the celebration of the International Women’s Month.

TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz, together with Deputy Directors General Aniceto Bertiz III and Vidal Villanueva and Philippine Commission on Women Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Kristine Josefina Balmes, led the kick-off last March 6 during TESDA’s regular flag-raising ceremony.

“This year’s celebration serves as a tribute and a platform towards the empowerment of every woman, including those in the technical vocational education and training sector, who continue to make change work for women,” Cruz said.

Among the various activities the agency lined up for women are Lifelong Learning Programs such as Embracing Gender Equity in TVET and Supporting the Women with Disabilities Day Celebration.

It will also hold the two-part “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana”, a showcase of skills and free products; “Agenda ni Juana sa TVET” Forum; Launching and Showcase of TESDA’s Women-Focused Training Programs; and iSTAR Mass Graduation.

In her message, Balmes recognized TESDA’s efforts in formulating policies, enabling mechanisms and programs that promote gender equality and women empowerment.

Balmes said that gender equality is a key to inclusive development in the country.

“With women comprising half the population, harnessing their natural and amazing potential can propel our country to greater heights,” she said.

TESDA has continuously been implementing programs toward gender equality. In 2014, it received a Gender and Development Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies, or the GADTIMPALA Bronze award as one of the Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Agencies in the Philippines.

In 2019, TESDA received an award for Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Flagship Programs for the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources Program.