PCW at 46: Thriving amidst the pandemic, Rewarding outstanding employees
The Philippine Commission on Women celebrates its 46th anniversary reliving the challenges and accomplishments during the COVID-19 pandemic and rewarding employees who have shown exemplary work despite the circumstances.
Anchored in the theme, “Juana: BIDA sa Gitna ng Pandemya”, the anniversary focused on how PCW is Braving the pandemic, Innovating for CHANGE (Compassionate and Harmonized Actions and Networks for Gender Equality), Delivering results, and Achieving progress towards its Golden Year.
Opening the celebration, PCW Chairperson Sandra Sanchez-Montano emphasized how PCW thrived even during the health crisis.
“Since last year, we have also seen how PCW has provided innovations to make sure that we continue providing quality service. As we remain under these challenging circumstances, we continue to provide excellence together with the esteemed workforce that we have,” Montano said.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos commended the efforts that PCW and other agencies have exerted during the pandemic, including the issuance of the Joint Solidarity Statement on Gender Based Violence during COVID 19 as well as the Joint Memorandum Circular on the Localization of the Safe Spaces Act.
“Bilang oversight office ng PCW, isang karangalan na makita ang efforts ng Philippine Commission on Women, kasama ang mga NGO at Government Commissioners, sa pagpapatupad ng mission at vision ng ahensya. At makakaka-siguro po kayo na patuloy ang suporta ng DILG sa GEWE advocacy ng Philippine Commission on Women,” Usec. Jalosjos said.
Part of PCW’s tradition is the recognition of employees during its anniversary celebration. Below is the roster of awardees per category.
“Sariling Paglilinang ng Kaalaman Award” for employees who were able to juggle work and studies in pursuance of higher education: Bernadette R. O’ Connor, Shernes C. Alcantara, and Chary Grace C. Catubag.
Ms. Marianne Kristine V. Delgado received the “Scholar Award” for pursuing graduate studies under government’s funding.
The “Exemplary Behavior Award” and “Grace Under Pressure Award” were accorded to Ms. Chary Grace C. Catubag for her great passion and work ethics even amidst pressing times.
“Most Active Award” for showing tireless passion at work and the “Gender Catalyst Individual Award” for addressing gender issues and promoting employees’ welfare during the pandemic were awarded to Rose Jean M. Mayrena.
“COS Personnel of the Year” for the outstanding staffer under Contract of Service was handed to Adelaida T. Navarro for her diligence in making sure that salary payments are released on time.
“Attitude is Everything Award” for showing a positive attitude at work and in dealing with colleagues: Nico T. Natividad and Aida A. Magallo.
“Most Promising PCW Personnel Award” to employees who exhibited perseverance and excellence in their work: Jenny Ann C. Tenorio and Nevicshky P. Calma
“Extra Mile Award” for going to greater heights for the job and “Most Punctual Employee Award” for coming to office on the dot for the past three years: Virginia Q. Acuña
“Best in Attendance Award” for the employee who did not miss a day of work in 2020: Enrique L. Capiral Jr.
The Administrative and Finance Division received the “Frontliner Award” for reporting to office even during the implementation of quarantine measures, its Accounting Section was awarded for “Good Office Management” for their organized work area, and its Human Resource Management and Development Section garnered the “Gender Catalyst Team Award” for their team effort in delivering service despite the pandemic.
Those who showed loyalty for their years in service in PCW were also commended:
Kristine Anne V. Lee – 5th year of service
Nico T. Natividad – 5th year of service
Pamela C. Susara – 5th year of service
Enrique L. Capiral Jr. – 25th year of service
Albert D. Gallano – 40th year of service
Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Kristine Josefina G. Balmes received the “Gawad ng Empleyado Award” for her contribution to the fulfillment and advancement of the rights and welfare of PCW employees, through heading the PCW COVID-19 Task Force, pursuing humane provisions in the Alternative Work Arrangements, among others.
For the “Gawad ng Director Award”, Atty. May Zyra V. Cuevas was recognized because she demonstrated exceptional character, outstanding performance, consistency, good values, strong initiatives, and leadership.
During the anniversary celebration, newly elected officers of the Employees Association also took their oath, namely: President: Baylosis, Ma. Rebecca Rafaela, Vice President: Susara, Pamela, Secretary: Asencio, Psyche Mae, Treasurer: Papasin, Emorie, Auditor: Maaño Leandra Arlene, Board of Directors: Peji, Kim Harold, Lopez, Carmen Roceli, Hufancia, Ronalyn, Delgado, Marianne Kristine, Catubag, Chary Grace and Board Secretary: Domingo, Allen.
PCW pillars Former PCW Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa and Former PCW Chairperson Dr. Rhodora Masilang-Bucoy also graced the virtual event and extended gratitude and hopeful visions. Commissioner Teresita Gonzales from the National Council of Women in the Philippines also expressed her congratulations. Also in attendance were Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn Laviña, UN Women’s Chang Jordan, PNP WCPC’s PLTCOL. Herlyn Lazaro, UNFPA Philippines’ Aimee Santos, Ms. Jovy Martin Diaz, John Michael Campos, and Mr. Eric Tamayo.
Culminating the momentous occasion, PCW Executive Director Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves commended PCW employees and officials for their burning passion and commitment even amidst the sacrifices, pains, and challenges that the pandemic brought.
“Today we gave recognition to the men and women of PCW who have gone that extra mile for the furtherance of the interest of the agency. But this is not all there is to today’s celebration, today we ought to give ourselves a pat on the back for the ingenuity, the flexibility, and sheer will and dedication to move forward with the agency’s plans and programs, pandemic or not. Today is a recognition that with the proper mindset, and teamwork anything is within reach and nothing is insurmountable,” Chaves enthused.
PCW was created as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 633, on January 7, 1975 to act as an advisory body to the President and the Cabinet on policies and programs for the advancement of women. With the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women in 2009, it was renamed as the Philippine Commission on Women or PCW.
Since then, PCW has become an instrumental force in stirring changes towards women’s empowerment and promotion of gender equality. Together with public and private partners, PCW has been behind the passage of landmark laws like the Magna Carta of Women that enshrines the rights of women especially the marginalized sectors, Expanded Maternity Leave Law which addresses the need for women to heal their bodies and allow husbands to take care of the newborn, Reproductive Health Law which upholds women’s bodily integrity and access to reproductive health services throughout the woman’s life cycle and the Safe Spaces Act which protects women from all forms of sexual harassment, as well as its IRR. (Watch PCW’s accomplishments here.)
As the PCW moves towards its golden year, PCW vows to continue to be a harbinger of change, in collaboration with trustworthy partner government agencies and private entities, and strengthened by employees who put the GEWE advocacy at heart.
