The Civil Service Commission (CSC) concluded the month-long celebration of National Women’s Month with the Piknik sa Kalikasan on 22 March 2024 at the CSC Central Office in Quezon City.
Organized by the Office for Human Resource Management and Development and the CSC Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, the Piknik sa Kalikasan is the CSC’s culminating activity that symbolizes the resilience of women, mirroring the steadfastness and strength of Mother Nature herself.
“Throughout this month, we have shared stories, learned lessons, and reaffirmed our commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. Let us gather once more to celebrate the contributions of everyone, regardless of gender, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all,” said CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel G. Ronquillo.
The Piknik sa Kalikasan featured the Gawad Kawayan Awards, a mechanism to recognize and reward the commitment of CSC officials and employees to gender mainstreaming initiatives within the institution and in broader spheres beyond its confines.
“As government workers, we all have a unique role to play in shaping the future of governance and in gender mainstreaming in the entire Philippine bureaucracy. We must be champions of ensuring gender equality,” said Chairperson Karlo Nograles.
Commissioner Ryan Alvin R. Acosta and Assistant Commissioner Karin Litz P. Zerna awarded three employees from the CSC Regional Office XII as GAD champions for their exceptional achievements in promoting GAD in their respective regions. They are Director III Hannah D. Examen, Director II Ma. Josefina G. Buenbrazo, and Supervising Human Resource Specialist Travis Ryan J. Delos Reyes. The event also recognized the winners of the Best GAD Corner in the CSC Central Office.
On 12 March 2024, the CSC GAD Focal Point System engaged in Continuing Learning Education with resource speakers from the Philippine Commission on Women, laying the groundwork for the development of the CSC GAD Agenda. The online preparatory session equipped CSC GAD Focal Persons with the knowledge and skills needed to champion gender equality, and to guide the process of formulating the CSC GAD Strategic Framework and GAD Strategic Plan.
The CSC also prioritized the well-being of its workforce through the Women's Month Wellness Sessions featuring TESDA's Hilot Caravan, and free facial and hair care services.
In her closing remarks, CSC Acting Assistant Commissioner Nerissa B. Canguilan called on CSC officials and employees to sustain the momentum generated during this month-long celebration.
“Let us envision a future where it is no longer a surprise for everyone that women can take up space, lead, and excel in their respective fields. Together, let us be catalysts of change, champions of equality, and advocates for a more just and inclusive society. Once again, happy Women’s Month!”
