Postura

About the
COVER
ZAD
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ZYRELLE A DEL PRADO
Editor in Chief
C O N T E N T S
YOUR TRAVELLING COMPANION
NOVEMBER 2019
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FEATURES
ALSO INSIDE
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FEATURES
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A President’s
Message
I am a
One-woman Man!
I have lived my life respecting women – my
mother whom I have loved timelessly and my
wife whom I promised my forever with.
All the time, I have stood and respected
women. That is why gender and development,
women empowerment and gender equity is not
a misnomer for me.
Thus, I take pride in this first ever Gender
and Development (GAD) magazine, POSTURA.
This sets another milestone both in Gender and
Development and in John Hay Management
Corporation, to date. I am grateful for all the
creative minds, artistic hands and sensing
hearts that put effort into it. I am hopeful that
our stakeholders find time to read and act my
own beliefs of RESPECT regardless of age,
sex, gender, education, ethnicity and ability.
Together we stand for GENDER EQUITY!
Love thy neighbour. As the testament goes, we
don’t have to look far when looking for love. That
person may be beside you, a stone away or just
around the corner waiting to be noticed.
This happens to Mary Jane Laconsay, whom we
fondly call Manang MJ in the office. In her words,
“Inaabangan niya ako at pasilip-silip. Akala niya hindi
ko alam ‘yun” and then she laughs her heart out and
her dimples shaped in her face. The face of a fulfilled
woman and a mother.
Dalagang Filipina as she may seem, she made
it hard for her now husband to woo her before she
finally said “yes. She remembers every bit of it - the
“kilig moment” on March 18,1990 when it happened.
Two years later, they were married.
MJ recants that she married a loving husband -
responsible and without vices. She proudly says her
husband helps her with the household chores. Their
family is a picture of a happy home, husband, wife
and children, who were bonded together through
thick and thin.
Proud Mother
I am proud of my children because they listen to
me. When I see them, “Napapawi ang pagod ko”!
“As a mother, I have been very conscious of what
I say and do. I can see that they see me as a model
and that I influence them a lot.”
“I am proud of them, being a mom is a legacy I
wish to continue. Even if life is hard, together as a
family we can overcome it! The most important thing
is that my children grew up to be good people.”
“Gusto kong masaksihan ang magandang future
ng mga anak ko. Ito ang prayer ko”.
Proud Gardener
“I love being a gardener. At the end of the day,
I find peace. It’s a noble job. I have always loved
gardening since I was young.”
MJ has been working as a gardener for two years
now under Mckleene. She just loves the job.
She says, “Plants are like my children. They need
care. Sometimes, ‘kailangang diligan, bunutan ng
damo, i-cultivate at masaya pag nakita mo ang effort
pag tumubo ng maganda’”.
There are six (6) gardeners working for JHMC.
The plants and flowers composing the beautiful
scenery at the Bell Amphitheatre is a concerted effort
of the gardeners. It really makes one proud.
Fighting abuse and violence
MJ has always had a positive outlook in life. She
remains calm and hopeful at times of adversities and
turns to the Lord for continued guidance and direction.
She is an empowered woman in her own right.
Despite this fact, she encourages women to be
informed of their rights when abuse comes into play.
“Lahat tayo ay hindi perfect at may shortcomings,
may mga failures but let us approach each other ng
may pagmamahal sa tao.” Her mantra in fighting
abuse and violence.
When Love and Family Unites
Empowered in her own right
Mary Jane C. Laconsay, a mother, talks about a decade of love
Fairytales do come true.
Modern-day Cinderellas do exist.
MJ Laconsay is an empowered
woman and a testament to that!

The Face of an
Empowered
Woman
“She does not want the world to tell her how to
live her life. She does not want the world to put
her into a category. She will smile even when not
all is good with her. She will believe what should
not be. And she will dream wild! She is a bird.
She just wants to fly in the wide blue sky!”
― Avijeet Das
“She does not want the world
to tell her how to live her life. She
does not want the world to put
her into a category. She will smile
even when not all is good with her.
She will believe what should not
be. And she will dream wild! She is
a bird. She just wants to fly in the
wide blue sky!”― Avijeet Das
And yes, she will fly. Fly high
into the sky. Soar high like an
eagle. To see the world from
above. To hover over things she
wanted and needed. Yes, she is
free!
She will survive, no matter
what! She is everything that there
is to beauty and strength. A face
that launched a thousand ships,
only this time, she too is a warrior.
She is beautiful. She is amazing.
She will always be perfectly
imperfect!
This is Geraline Gayaso, a
woman, a beauty and a survivor.
At forty (40) years old and with five
children, she remains calm in the
midst of the chaos. Her life is a
testament of empowering herself
and living for her children.
The Past That Was
She had her first child when
she was twenty-three (23) years
old. She believed in fairytales - of
happy endings and forevermore.
She had two children with her first
husband but the fairytale, as she
realized, was far from real.
She then sought love or did
she? But love found her for the
second time around. But was it
a love to last? She would always
wonder how long she could stay.
She had three children, this time
in the arms of a man who devoted
his life to vices rather than feeding
the family. So she left - away from
the violent and chaotic life with
the hope that she will survive for
her children. Love for her would
be synonymous with loving her
children.
When she left with a broken
heart and broken dreams, she
continued searching for work. She
had jobs from being a cashier to a
video shop attendant, from a sari-
sari store owner to a saleslady,
from a “labandera” in a laundry
shop to housekeeping and being
a house-help. She tried every job
that came her way. She said, “Ayaw
kong maging tambay. Mahirap
maghintay tapos walang income.
Paano ko masusuportahan ang
mga anak ko?” (I didn’t want to be
a bummer. It’s hard to wait without
income. How can I support my
children?)
On Her Work Life
I asked her, “Do you enjoy
being a guard?” Geraline has been
a security guard for Maximum
Security Services Corporation for
more than a year now. She said
that there are times she enjoys
being a lady guard, most of the
time!
I continued, “Are you proud to
be a lady guard?”
She said, “Oo kasi marangal at
disenteng trabaho.” (Yes, because
it’s a respected and decent job).
“What are the lessons you
learned from being a security
guard?”
“I see it as a challenging work.
Na-chachallenge ako na maging
mas matatag”. (I am challenged to
become better.)
“How do you describe yourself
as a security guard?”
“Loyal at maka-tao ako. Kasi
kailangan gawin para sa trabaho.”
(I am loyal and people-centered. It
is needed in my job.)
“What can you say to other lady
guards out there?”
“Maging matatag sa pagsubok.
Stay strong, be good and be
humble to others.”
On Motherhood
“What do you want to say to
your children?”
“Sana maging mabuting tao
sila, may takot sa Diyos. mga
bata kasi ngayon may pagka-
pasaway. Hindi katulad noon na
isang tingin lang sa kanila ng
magulang sumusunod na
sila. Magbait sana sila.”
(I hope that they can
become good people
who fear the Lord.
Children now-adays are
hard-headed. Unlike
before, one look by the
parents, they would
follow. I hope they turn
out to be good people.)
“Do you think you are a
good example to other
mothers out there?”
Oo kasi single
mom ako at lima
(5) ang anak ko.
Kaya ‘ung mga
kilala ko na isa pa
lang ang anak na
nagsasabing hindi
na nila kaya. Sabi
ko magpakatatag
ka lang para sa anak mo.
Pag hindi, paano na ang anak
mo?” ( Yes because I am a single
mom and I have five (5) children.
A mother I know who had a child
was saying she couldn't survive. I
told her to stay strong for her child.
If she wasn't strong, what would
happen to her child?”
“Are you proud of your
children?”
“Oo. kahit pagod na ako, sila
lang ang nagpapalakas sa akin.
Kapag nakangiti sila, nawawala
ang pagod ko. Sila ang inspirasyon
ko as a single mom”. Yes. Even
when I am tired, they give me
strength. When they smile, it takes
away my tiredness. They are my
inspiration as a single mom.)
“How can you describe yourself as
a solo parent?”
“Matatag at matiyaga.
Kailangan kasi. Pag mahina ka di
mo kayang itaguyod ang pamlilya.
Kahit walang asawa, kayang
tumayo sa sarili”. (Strong and
persevering. If you get weak, the
family would not survive. Even if I
don’t have a husband, I can stand
on my own.)
On the Perks of Being a Woman
“As
a woman,
describe yourself.”
“I am strong, humble and
caring.”
“What do you do to improve
your mood when you go out on
special occasions?”
“Simple lang ako. Naglilipstick
at nagpoppolbo lang ako. Kung
ano ako sa trabaho ganun din ako
sa labas. Kung ano nakikita nila
sa akin, ‘un na ‘un.” (I am simple.
I just put on lipstick and powder.
What I am at work, that’s what I
am also when I go out. What they
see in me, that’s it!)
On Dreams and Love
“What are your dreams?”
“Simple rin lang. Stable
job para may pagkukunan
ng ikabubuhay - simpleng
pamumuhay. Mahirap kasi ang
palipa-lipat ng trabaho”. (It’s just
simple. I want a stable job for a
means of living - a simple life. It’s
hard to go from one job to another.)
“If you will be given a chance to
love again, will you choose it?”
“Hindi ko iniisip ‘yan. Baka
parehas din mangyari sa
nakaraan. Focus na lang ako
sa mga anak ko. Sila ‘ung mas
nangangailangan ng aruga at
atensyon”. (I’m not thinking about
it. Maybe the
things that happened in the
past will happen again. I will
just focus on my children. They
are the ones who are in need
of my care and attention).
That smile, that face and that
empowerment says it all - it’s the
true essence of being a woman.

Without batting an eyelash, Atty.
Pinky says, “An empowered women
empower other women too”. Strong
words from a woman with a strong
character and substance.
Her high-spirited , bubbly
persona made our conversation
relaxed and open. It made me pry a
little bit of her guarded personal
life. And, ow, she hasn't
aged in years. Still the pretty,
sophisticatedly down-to-earth
woman of wit and worth. Atty. Pinky
as she is affectionately called by
her colleagues has served the City
Government of
Baguio as a Councilor for
numerous terms. She had
passed countless resolutions and
ordinances for a better Baguio City.
We are all mesmerized by her work
ethic and leadership.
“Who do you look up to as a
woman?”, I asked.
“I look up to my mother. She
has been a model and mentor to me
since I was a child. My mother told
me, “Wala kang hindi puwedeng
gawin as a woman na kayang
gawin ng lalake. Pantay lang.” She
grew up with a strong woman on
her side, her mother. Literally, her
Heart to heart
Connections
with the Locators
Atty. Pinky
on Empowering
Other Women
personality was
forged by ice
and fire. The ice
that awakens
the Gabriela
Silang in her and the heat of fire that
radiates from the strong women in
her life.
On her legal profession
At childhood, protecting the
frail, delicate and fragile comes out
naturally from her. Pinky recounts,
“I was only four years old when
I wanted to be a lawyer. I was a
middle child. My elder sister who
happens to be smaller than me gets
bullied at school. While our youngest
happens to be a cry-baby. She cries
and throws tantrums.”
“What I do is that I fight those
who bully my ‘ate’. Some people
would call me ’tomboy’ when I was a
child because I fight those who bully
my ‘ate’ even if they were boys,” she
says. Pinky emits her strong-willed
personality to motivate her sister to
be tough. She knows that it’s going
to be hard but it's going to be
worth it. She wanted her sister to be
strong in order to outgrow things that
could break her. She remembered,
“As to my youngest sister who cries
a lot, I bring her to the comfort room
and tells her that she will not get out
of the comfort room if she wouldn’t
stop crying until then they both got
used to me doing it and eventually
learned”.
On being independent
“As a young woman, I have
been independent because my
mother has influenced me to be. I
found out na ‘walang basehan ang
gender kung gusto mong maging
successful talaga’”.
“A woman should not just
follow a man, have no career and
just say yes to her husband all the
time. ‘Dapat lang kung ano ang
tama at kung ano ang gusto mong
ipaglaban. ipaglaban mo!’” Her
advice to modern day women, “It’s
better if you have your own career”.
On finding balance
I asked her, “Speaking of being
a lawyer and businesswoman at
the same time, which do you prefer
doing most?” She replied, “Actually,
I love doing both and try to balance
it. It was my dream to be a fighter so
I try to balance everything.”
“In the legal profession, I
continue to fight for abused women
and children. Meanwhile, as a
businesswoman, I try empowering
other women especially that we’re a
nail salon business and most of our
employees are women too. There
are women employees who are
abused by their husbands too so we
try to help them, she continues.
On empowering women
inside her circle
“We tell them how to be
empowered, especially when it
comes to Values Formation. It is
because when you have a baby
and you work, you tend to feel guilty
if you work and leave your child
to your husband. But what if the
woman is the breadwinner and she
is given the skill and the opportunity
to work? You should not feel guilty
about it! If the husband happens to
be at home to take care of the kids
and do household chores, then let
it be.”
“Hindi pambahay ang babae
at hindi pang-hanapbuhay lang
ang lalake. Pantay na! Puwedeng
magpalit basta nanjan kayo para
sa mga anak niyo pag kailangan
nila”, she said. One I’ve noticed that
when she talks, she is a passionate
influencer. With her positive mental
attitude, I can always extract honest
remarks on any almost anything I
throw at her.
On being a grandmother
As I dig deeper into our
conversation, I cannot help but to
ask about her grandsons whom she
adores.
“Do you instill the same values
to your grandchildren as early as
now?” I asked.
She replied, “Yes, I intend to
do so since my eldest grandson is
one and a half years old while my
second grandson is just six (6) days
old. At their age, I am committed to
raise them as my mom raised me.
However, my grandchildren are
boys so I have to teach them how
to respect the equality of genders”.
Until...
I lost control of the topic and
stray away from our original track,
“Do you plan to enter politics again?”
She replied, “For now, I don’t
intend to do so. I’m ok with my legal
profession and businesses.
However, I’m not closing my
doors. If I’m going back to politics, I
would not want to be in a legislative
position. I would rather be in an
executive position where the action
is and to implement changes. There
has been no woman mayor yet.”
“But now, I still don’t have time
for that. I enjoy working - I’m super
workaholic and I’m also enjoying
my grandchildren. I’m very happy
and content with my life now,`` she
expounds.
And I couldnt agree more
when she said, “I thank John Hay
Management Corporation because
you have various Gender and
Development projects. I also think
that empowered women are the
children of empowered mothers
because it was how my upbringing
was. So as an empowered woman,
I am empowering my children so
that it may continue in the next
generation. We need to re-echo
these things. What you learn, it’s the
same thing you will teach.``
I wrapped up our conversation
with a firm handshake. I was
bewitched by her wits and beauty.
END

OF STICKS AND BROOMS
When I see brooms and sticks,
my memory lane takes me
back to my early childhood of fan-
tasies and magic. A flying stick
and broom gliding, navigating and
wandering above trees and hous-
es being steered by a woman
dressed in black wearing Dumble-
dore’s pointy hat.
I still see women with brooms
and sticks today though they are
rooted on the ground. They are the
heroines of the streets, parks, and
offices making it clean, polished,
and pleasant to the eyes.
I met some of them and they
have a lot of exciting stories to
share. They are mothers at home
and transform into janitors during
work days. A transformation that
brought them life, love, laughter,
tears, and survival, the magic po-
tions that sums up humanity these
days. I have interviewed these
modern day women and surpris-
ingly, they are more than those
who hold brooms and sticks.
Loey, Ana, Julia, and Veronica,
the modern day fairies in the real
world.
Solo parent Loey, 36 years old
have a seven-year old son who
needs extra attention and care.
“He is in his formative years so I
have to be in his day to day life.”
She aspires her son to be suc-
cessful in whatever he may take in
the future.
She is a woman who wants to
have a complete balance of family
and work. She doesn’t want the
scale to be tilted against the other.
A controlling mother who wants to
be wired in her son’s life because
she is being needed.
“I can do anything for my fam-
ily,” says Julia.
Julia juggles work and home.
She faces the challenge of being
tired at work and coming home
for household chores. A typical
mother who wants to conquer the
two worlds of fruitful struggles. No
complaints, no protests, no feel-
ings of dissatisfaction, all pure
love for the family.
Education is important to her.
She instills it as early as now in her
children. She believes that having
attained a degree makes her chil-
dren achieve their dreams in the
future
A modern day heroine, fueled
by the love of her family.
“Even if I’m tired, I will still
work,” affirms Veronica. .
“I share my dreams with my
kids, hoping they could fulfill it for
me.” Veronica gasps.
She is the epitome of a hope-
ful mother who doesn’t surrender
to the cruelty of life. Like a sol-
dier, she gets her strength from
her pains, challenges and failures.
She channels her vulnerability
into an adrenalin that transforms
her into a super mother her chil-
dren look up to.
“I don’t want my children to go
through the same hardships I had
in my past.”
Veronica is building a com-
fortable and sheltered life for her
children. The road is narrow and
rocky but her frustrations, hard-
ships and struggles serve as the
foundation of her children’s for-
tress of relief and suitable life.
“My children are all grown-up.
They already help me do
the household chores.” Ana
utters.
Ana works to sustain her
family. She and her family
work as a team to manage
their day to day lives.
Above all her daily ac-
tivities, Ana makes sure that
she will not compromise her
health. She believes that
in order to show love to her
family, she needs to take
care of her body, too.
She advises women of
today to be tough, firm and
strong in order to face the
daily obstacles with grace.
These four stupendous
women ensure that the
JHMC Office Complex is
tidy, clean and presentable.
END
“How much is this?” I asked as I touch these
colorful pieces of rags woven into table and furniture
covers or even mats. The others were colorful while
others were dual tone in black and white. A woman
answered, “3 pieces for 100 pesos”. Later on I got
to know her name as Corazon Nite from Loakan
Proper Barangay.
“How about this?”,
pointing to another size and design variant of the
rag. “The price really depends upon the size,’’ she
said.
I said, “These ones are inexpensive” and
continued, “Where do you get your materials for
these?” Corazon answered that they got it from
unsold ‘wag-wag’ clothes or clippings from old
clothes.
“Do you have a stall?” I asked. “No. We just
display it here at the Barangay hall. We also sell
online through facebook through our personal
accounts.”
“Who taught you in making these beautiful
rags?”, I inquired. “There was an agency who
taught us how to make these rags years ago”.
“These really are beautifully colored,’’ I said.
“How do you do it?” Corazon replied, “We just
combine the colors. We use molders and weave it
together. It’s much nicer to make it colorful.”
“How many of you in the barangay do this
weaving?” I asked again. She replied, “It depends
as to who is here at the Barangay. After we bring
our children in the Barangay Day care, we come
here at the Barangay Hall and weave”.
“How many can you weave in a day?” I asked
and asked. “I can weave twelve pieces of standard
sized mat a day”, Corazon said.
“Do you
have regular
buyers?” I
c o n t i n u e d .
“No, but we
sell it online
and try to find
ways how to
connect to
buyers so that we can dispose of it. Or we
get stalls, combine it with other products so that
it can be sold. In my case, I cooked peanut butter
and sell it too with these rags. It’s a big help to our
living” Corazon added.
“Do you have children?”, I inquired. “Yes, I have
four children and I also have grandchildren,” she
smiled.
” How old are you?”, I pried. “I’m 40 years old”.
“How about your husband, does he work?” I asked.
“He works as a carpenter or laborer and gets wages
per hour,’’ Corazon said.
Going back to rags, I said, “This weaving
seems fun. I think it’s a way of de-stressing.” “It’s
easy once you get used to it”, Corazon shared.
“Do you get profit out of this?” I inquired. “Yes,
we do sometimes. Whatever we get, we pay for
materials and the rest we divide among ourselves”
she smiled.
“Look at these, we patch the edges” Corazon
explained as she did the same with her graceful
hands. “When did you start this livelihood?” I
questioned her.
“Since 2017”, she
said.
“Why are there
longer strands?” I
asked. “It depends
upon the clothes
and colors,” she
said. “Sometimes,
when people
dump clothes, we
look at it and try to
see if the clothes
can be made into rags”, she said.
“The colorful ones get to be sold first, only the
black and white ones are left” she pointed to the
rags. In my mind, these type of livelihood is what
we need to advertise and pursue. Maybe then,
there is something we can do to help.
You can find treasure on someone else’s trash.
Rag Weaver: Up Close and Personal
Knitty Gritty Conversation
By: Interview by ZAD

GAD MILESTONES
THE TALL TELL-ALL TALE OF JHMC-GAD
“
The Tall and Tell-All Tale of JHMC-
GAD
Gender and Development (GAD)
is an all-too interesting subject to
discuss. From women empowerment,
it has boomed into gender equity
where no race, creed, ethnicity, age
and gender identity is unrecognized.
Human rights come into play together
with respect for who and what you
are.
John Hay Management
Corporation (JHMC) is a government
owned and controlled corporation
(GOCC) mandated to comply with the
five (5) percent allocation for gender
and development out of its overall
corporation budget. Thus, JHMC
has initiated efforts and continues
to work for gender and development
responsiveness.
Through the Years: Taking a Look
Back
2013
JHMC was a newcomer in the
formulation of the GAD. JHMC
gathered data as to the essential
needs of the residents within the
John Hay reservation area. With the
following, it created and developed a
livelihood program for the women in
the barangays.
It is time that we all see gender as
a spectrum instead of two sets of
opposing ideals. - Emma Watson
“ 2014
Gender and Development
was not a misnomer in JHMC.
The team worked for a Survey for
External Stakeholders specifically
in the Barangays. Based on the
questionnaire, study and overall
interpretation, women lacked
available means to provide for
themselves and their families.
2015 and 2016
JHMC with the GAD Focal
Point System (GFPS) processed
the need for the Lactation
Station. Awareness Training on
Breastfeeding was culminated by
the GFPS. Also, various supplies
and equipment were purchased
and the Lactation Station found a
home at Cottage 628.
2017
That year, the strengthening of
the GFPS through trainings were
recommended. The later part of
the year, gave way for the hire of
a GAD Coordinator to implement
programs under the supervision
of the Human Resources Services
Department. Awareness programs
for women empowerment and
Anti-Violence Against Women and
Children were initiated.
2018
The year when focus on
Gender and Development sprang.
Enigmatic women and men
talked on Gender Equality on the
International Day for Women.
Collaborations were made with
other government and non-
government entities in holding
various programs and projects.
Breast and Prostate Cancer
Awareness was instituted for all
stakeholders with a free clinical
screening for early detection of
breast and prostate cancer. A
parade was held in celebration
of camaraderie with other Camp
John Hay stakeholders
Gender-fair language and
gynecological leave benefits policy
were processed as a means of
support from the management.
The GAD logo design was created,
adjudicated and later on approved.
Employee stakeholders
attended a seminar where they
reviewed basic Gender and
Development laws, statutes and
codes.
The knowledge and skills of the
GFPS was continuously improved
through training and mentoring.
2019
There was a repositioning
on the concepts of Gender and
Development.March,incelebration
of Women’s month called the
“Wonderwoman in You”. Women,
sought after as superheroes in
the house for multitasking, was
given a day for complete wellness
workshops. They were pushed
to show their creativity in various
learning activities.
Capacity building seminar
continued for the GFPS, with more
advanced skills and knowledge-
building and application. The
barangays were treated to a
firefighting activity that involved
women stakeholders. Internal
stakeholders or JHMC employees
had fun in a seminar aiming to
widen their knowledge on GAD-
related laws.
Looking Forward: The Promise
As another year bades new
goodbyes, there is a promise that
the advocacy shall never wane
and like a tattoo forever etched in
our hearts is the objective to be
able to educate and serve JHMC
stakeholderswiththehighestideals
of Gender and Development.
In the hopes of making
attribution every year, the GFPS
strives to continue, exist and serve.
These objectives are no simple
measures, but is still a long way
to go. The GFPS wishes to thank
all those who supported JHMC-
GAD in the call towards gender
equity. There have been big and
small wins along the way but it is
not all about winning. Rather, the
journey is in making new beginning
every time and looking back with
gratitude all the time.
So to quote the article on 11
Inspiring Gender Equality Quotes
That Will Leave You Thinking, the
author says that, “I think Gender
Equality is basically in the mind.
It is an individual’s perception of
treating another person at par with
himself/herself. It does not happen
in one day- it’s more of a practice
that you do every day.”
Indeed, we hope that we have
planted the seeds of these ideals
in you by which someday would
allow you to sow and reap fruits.
After all, gender equity is not only a
woman’s concern. It is everybody’s
concern. Making it everybody’s
concern satisfies to describe it as
human rights.

As I sit in my room,
in this four-walled
walls, I cannot help but
fathom about the years
that I experienced
as Gender and
D e v e l o p m e n t
Coordinator.
Let me tell you a
story. I applied for this
job and wasn’t the first
choice. Yet, I ended
up doing the job for
more than two years.
I started as a newbie
in the Gender and
Development field,
not knowing what to
do or how to do it. I
persuaded myself to
learn through reading,
coaching and various
trainings initiated by
JHMC.
Along the way, I
learned that Gender
and Development
is not only Women Empowerment, definitely not
Feminism but Gender Equality. I have learned
to appreciate people for who and what they are
regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age,
race, creed or disability.
I learned and continue to learn about the
For YOU
Ayra Galanza
word equity rather than
equality. Equality means
giving the same people
an equal piece of a
pie. Meanwhile, equity
means giving them what
they needed based on
their differences. So to
speak, give a child more
piece of the pie because
she/ he needed it most
more than an adult who
just had had a full meal.
I learned about
the fun and not-so-
fun grueling details of
making the GAD plan
and budget (GPB),
the Accomplishment
Report, the Gad
Agenda, HGDG, PIMME
and most of all the hard
work of devoting your
time and efforts towards
what you do in order to
give your best!
As such, I will be
forever grateful to JHMC for allowing me to learn. I
have gained friends and not-so friends but I learned,
anyway. Each learning was a manifestation of my
four-walled walls. Now, I have learned to think
outside of these walls… to continue learning and
exploring.
CHRONICLES OF
MOTHERHOOD
Mrs. “A” Welcomes
Breastfeeding
With Open Arms
Mrs. Arlene R. Novencido is
the wife of Daniel Novencido
III and an employee of John Hay
Management Corporation from
the ICTD. She is a mother of a
son who is aged 3 years old and a
soon to be born baby boy as of the
time of writing.
Known as Mrs. “A”, she’s a
jolly person who loves her role
as a mother, the most. She is
a breastfeeding advocate who
believes in the benefits and
importance of breastfeeding for
her babies.
I threw her a series of questions
and I can't help but notice the glow
in her eyes as she smiles when
talking about her life having a
toddler in tow and looked hopeful
for the future of her soon-to-be-
born son.
Q: How old is your first-born ?
A: Three - year old.
Q: How old were you when you
started breastfeeding your first-
born?
A: I was thirty-one (31)years
old when I started breastfeeding
my baby.
Q: What are the benefits of
breastfeeding to your first-born
son?
A: I think it has made him
healthier and free from sickness.
He hardly gets sick and built a
stronger immune system. Aside
from the fact that he is witty, he
has the beginnings of a genius
with a sharp memory.
At ten (10) months old, he knows
his nickname and
is very advanced
in his speech. In
terms of food,
he eats almost
anything. He’s
not a picky eater. I don’t have to
worry about what he can eat all
the time. I think the breast milk has
made him musically inclined too
following me and my husband’s
love of music. He sings well and
can play musical instruments by
just listening to a good beat.
Q: Obviously, breastfeeding has
benefits to your son, on the other
side, what do you think are its
benefits to you as a mother?
A: There are three things that
I noticed within myself like an
increase in my metabolism. Even
if I eat a lot, I don’t get fat that
easily. because I burn fats faster.
Also, it saves me more money
rather than buying pricey formula
milk. Imagine, how much uncostly
breast feed milk is already?
I think it has also created a
stronger bond between me and
my son. My first-born is very
clingy, sometimes he doesn’t allow
me to leave the house without him.
He seeks my comfort sometimes
more than his father.
Q: What can you say about
the Expanded Maternity Leaves
granted to women who gave
conceived a child?
A: It is a big help for mothers
like me. You know, it takes a month
for a mother to produce her own
breast milk. With the expanded
maternity leave benefits, the
extended leaves give the mother
and her baby ample time to adjust
to this circumstance.
Q: What are the hardships of a
breastfeeding mom?
A: I have to cope up with
lack of sleep because I have to
breastfeed my baby for certain
periods of time at night. It is also
painful to breastfeed for the first
time, aside from the fact that I
have to watch my food intake. No
Caffeine and less sweets.
Q: What is your message to
breastfeeding moms out there?
A: Always think of the long-
term benefits of breastfeeding.
The pain, sleepless nights, and
fatigue are all worth it.
Q: If we have an imaginary
mirror and you would see yourself?
What would you say?
A: “Parang Boy Abunda
questions lang”? (laughs) I would
tell myself that I did a good job in
raising our first born.
As of the time of the interview,
Mrs. A hasn’t conceived yet her
second born son.
Q: What would you tell your
second born son if he gets out of
your womb and grows up?
A: I would love to tell him and
his kuya that, “I will always love
them both”.
With that said, we ended with
the interview. I realized that there
will be no greater love than a
breastfeeding mother.

Gender equality concept
remains to be for idealists.
Its essence is partly felt within
the Philippines for the initiation
of various laws and provisions
as advocated by the Philippine
Commission on Women (PCW).
However, deeply rooted culture,
tradition and history may hinder
these ideals. When asked what
gender equality is all about, these
responses were gained:
“From the word itself – both
men and women should partake
in all activities. Both Male and
ANONYMOUS BOTES FROM THE SIDELINES:
Painting a Rainbow
Female shall be treated equally
in their contribution to nation-
building. Truly, it is a recognition
of the equal treatment of men and
women.”
“Feeling ko maraming rights
pa ng LGBTQIA ang hindi
pa recognized. Mahirap ang
acceptance sa family especially
pag nag-oout ang iba. Pero in
truth, the LGBTQIA are family
breadwinners who remains
unrecognized because of their
preferences. To the LGBTQIA
community: Just be yourself!”
“We should understand
na iba-iba and preferences,
needs and wants and
perceptions ng tao. It is but
human nature to be hurt when
teased about one’s gender but
we should begin and end with
understanding each other.”
“Men and women are born
equal. Minsan, mas malaki pa
ang kinikita ng LGBTQIA sa
entrepreneurship. I believe
na minsan mas successful
sila. Most of the time, they are
more creative.”
“It is the premise of
respecting all. As long as may
respeto kahit sino or ano ka
pa. In truth, respect begets
respect.”
“Ok lang maging LGBTQIA
kung dun ka masaya. Irespeto
na natin kung ano sila as a
person”.
“Ngayon, alam natin
na hindi lang lalake ang sa
construction sites, may mga
babaena.Perosapagbubuhat,
mas disadvantaged ang
babae. May mga pagkakaiba
pa rin ang babae at lalake dahil
ito na rin ay nakasanayan sa
kultura.”
“In general, we are all
equal. We are all humans
regardless of preferences.
Maraming aspects and gender
equality one of which is equal
rights and opportunities sa work.
Pero sa religion, specific ang bible
na male and female lang minsan
dun tayo nagkakaiba.”
“I have a cousin who is part
of the LGBTQIA community na
ka-close ko. Sa totoo lang, pare-
parehas lang tayo.”
“Para sa akin, lahat tayo
parehas at patas dapat”.
Contributors
JANE THERESA G.
TABALINGCOS
Hailing from Manila, this
beauty has glitz and glamour
to behold. The Vice President
of John
Hay Management
Corporation, she aspires to
give her best in all the things
she does. Being an
enigmatic and dynamic
GFPS Chairperson, she
epitomizes a truly empowered
woman.
PHILIP GEORGE C.
DEMOT
Integrity, honor and loyalty.
There are no better words to
describe him than to tell that
he possesses such admirable
characteristics. He is the
Security and Safety Division
Manager. A gentleman who
will respect everyone.
LUZVIMINDA NIGOS -
PANGANIBAN
Ms. Luz is an architect. A
new gender and development
advocate, she shares her
story of successes and trials
as a woman both in family and
career life. She attests that we
can be everything we wanted
to be. Soft-spoken, this
woman is wise and endearing
at the same time.
DANNY B. LATAWAN
A believer in gender
equity rather than equality.
The Human Resources
Services Division Manager
of JHMC, he ensures that
every aspect is well taken-
cared-of. A former GAD TWG
Head, his contributions to
Gender and Development are
incomparable. Trained leader
in Gender and Development,
his skills are more than
promising.
LEA C. QUISOBEN-
MAGUILAO
Known as “Lilay” to
many, this wonder mom is
the Corporate Planning Unit
Manager who has various
degrees obtained. A newbie in
the Gender and Development
arena, she is a learner by
heart and empowers other
women like herself.

DARWIN C. PEREZ
Mystery is his name.
Known as a quiet and unique
person, he has that gentle
persona that is fatherly and
friendly about him. See his
face lit up with a smile, this
tech whiz is the Information
and Communication
Technology Department
(ICTD) Manager.
BERYL BLANCHE S.
BAHATAN
The wonder woman
wife, entrepreneur and
worker. She pushes for life
balance in all aspects. A
businesswoman and at the
same time the Legal Research
and Investigation Specialist
of John Hay Management
Corporation. She is a model
persona to every empowered
woman.
ARLENE REYES-
NOVENCIDO
Breastfeeding advocate
and mom to two boys. She is
a loving mother and adorable
wife. Always putting herself
in the shoes of people
she meets. This mommy
is a competent, trained
and learned Gender and
Development advocate.
LESLIE T. DULFO
The GAD coordinator
of the pack who loves
learning and writing, she is
of eloquence and elegance.
Creative but quiet, she aspires
for the well-being of everyone.
A survivor of sorts, lives for
purpose, justice and equity.
AYRA VERONICA
NASTASSIA G.
GALANZA
A young empowered
woman working as Head
Executive Assistant to the
President, believes in beauty
and brains. She has it all with
the matching confidence that
empowers her and empowers
other women too. A great
writer, speaker and artist,
she is a budding Gender and
Development advocate.
ZYRELLE A. DEL
PRADO
A mom to an adorable
son, this woman is a born
fighter. The Community
Relations Officer of John Hay
Management Corporation, she
is always more than meets
the eye. She encourages
everyone to be not afraid of
falling-down for there will be
more chances of getting-up.
She walks with hope always.
LANIE ROSE DUMPIT
ROMERO
Mother, wife, sister and
daughter, this woman strikes
a balance between family and
career. A breastfeeding mom,
she wishes no other than the
good health of her family and
kids. She is hard-working and
dedicated with an honest and
amiable personality.
MARK B. ADVIENTO
The boy-next-door who
loves and respects women
especially his lovely wife. A
testament to a good husband
and father – sometimes funny
and sometimes serious. It
depends on what is needed.
Talented and dependable all-
around man willing to help, he
works at the Information and
Communications Technology
Department.
JUN CEASAR S.
RAMIREZ
The man who has a good-
natured attitude. A loving
husband and father to be who
never says “NO” to giving help
to anyone. A new Gender and
Development male advocate
– always respectful to women
and all genders. He does
permit and licensing work
for John Hay Management
Corporation at the Special
Economic Zone Authority
Department.
Contributors Contributors

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