Empowerment Reigns Miss GAD LMB 2024 – A Tribute to Equality and Inclusivity as National Women’s Month Concludes

The Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) of the Land Management Bureau (LMB) organized a One-Day Culminating Activity on April 2, 2024, at the Arden Hills Suite, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, as part of the 2024 Women’s Month celebration. The highlight of the event was the “Miss GAD LMB 2024” competition, which aimed to recognize outstanding women from all divisions of LMB who embody professionalism, confidence, and inclusivity while advocating for gender and development initiatives both within LMB and in the broader community.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from LMB Assistant Director, Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa, who underscored the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women can pursue their goals with dignity and support. He emphasized that LMB’s efforts extend beyond the workplace, aiming to empower women in communities, echoing the theme “WE for Gender Equality, Inclusive, and Resilient Society.

Among the esteemed guests present at the event was Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change, and Chairperson of the National Gender and Development Focal Point System. In her address, she extended heartfelt congratulations to LMB for the launch of the Miss Gender and Development initiative.

Usec. Rebuelta-Teh expressed her belief that this initiative has the potential to leverage the combined power of beauty and purpose as a platform for advocating sustainable land management practices, gender-responsive policies, and climate resilience initiatives. She commended LMB for integrating these crucial elements into the celebration of Women’s Month, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to become catalysts for  positive change in their communities and beyond.

The LMB- GAD Chairperson, Ms. Maria Gina F. Pascua, shared insights into LMB’s GAD mainstreaming activities during the culminating event of the 2024 Women’s Month celebration. She highlighted collaborative efforts with Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City, aiming for fruitful outcomes in sustainable land management at the grassroots level. Ms. Pascua emphasized LMB-GAD’s focus on empowering women through Land Administration and Management (LAM) and fostering resilience as steadfast priorities for the year.

The culminating program featured the Miss GAD LMB 2024 pageant, where Ms. Lianne Mar DC Sultan representing the Land Policy and Planning Division emerged as the winner. Ms. Sultan advocates for safe spaces and inclusivity, striving for a community free from gender-based discrimination, encouraging individuals, regardless of age and gender, to voice their thoughts and feelings bravely.

The panel of judges, composed of esteemed leaders including LMB Director Atty. Emelyne V. Talabis and former DENR Assistant Secretary ASec Corazon C. Davis, Director Al O. Orolfo of the Foreign Assisted and Special Project Service, Asistant Director of the Forest Management Bureau, Forester Edna Nuestro and Barangay Chairperson Pedrito Bermas.

Other winners include Ms. Aleah I. Sabino representing Land Management Division as Second Place, Ms. Lovely Joni N. Conmigo of the Geodetic Surveys Division as Third Place, Ms. Mary Jaen Perpetua Q. Guanzon of the Center for Land Administration and Management Philippines, Legal Division, and Office of the Assistant Director as Fourth place and Ms. Princess Reyjoy Romanes of the Records and  Knowledge Management Division as Fifth Place.

Additionally, winners of the previous GAD activity, the MusikJuana Video Making Contest, were announced, showcasing LMB’s commitment to promoting gender equality and advocacy through various platforms. As the Land Policy and Planning Division won the grand prize with their captivating interpretation of “Landas para kay Juana.” Taking the second-place spot is the Administrative Support Staff, who interpreted “Nasa Atin (Kababaihan)”. The Geodetic Surveys Division secured third place with their heartfelt interpretation of “Ikaw ay Ginto.” The fourth placer, was the Records and Knowledge Management Division with their moving interpretation of “Si Juana Ako.” Lastly, and the fifth-place winner is the Land Management Division, who interpret the song “Kayang-Kaya ni Juana.”

Director Emelyne V. Talabis closed the event with a message reflecting on the significance of Women’s Month, emphasizing the celebration of women’s contributions across all spheres of society. She urged all LMB employees to continue working towards a future where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard and respected.

The culminating activity celebrated the achievements of women within LMB and underscored the bureau’s dedication to advancing gender equality and inclusivity in all facets of its operations. Events like these serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for a brighter, more inclusive future.