LMB commemorates 2024 Philippine Pride Month with inclusive lecture series on Gender Analysis and Basic Concept of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE)

The month of June marks Pride Month, an annual celebration recognizing the struggles and honoring the pursuit of rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. The Land Management Bureau (LMB), through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD FPS), proudly joins the celebration by hosting a lecture series on “Gender Analysis and the Basic Concept of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE)” under the sub-theme “Colorful Connection: Every Hue is You.” This theme aims to foster inclusivity and promote gender equality, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or violence.

The LMB GAD FPS has invited Dr. Wilhelmina Masinsin from the GAD Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women. Dr. Masinsin is a respected facilitator with extensive experience in GAD, and GAD mainstreaming. Her expertise and guidance have deepened participants’ knowledge by providing valuable insights into gender-related issues and empowerment strategies.

LMB Assistant Director Romeo Verzosa opened the activity with an inspiring message: “Let us pledge to uphold the principles of equality, respect, and dignity for all. Together, let us build a society where every hue of human experience is celebrated and where every individual can live authentically and proudly.”

For the rationale, LMB GAD Chairperson Maria Gina Pascua highlighted four main points for the event: the LMB’s commitment to being inclusive, respecting all genders, incorporating these values into programs and projects, and encouraging active participation from everyone attending. These points show the bureau’s dedication to making gender equality a fundamental part of its work and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

The first day of the session focused on the Basic Concepts of SOGIE, emphasizing the importance of understanding SOGIE and raising awareness about the LGBTQIA+ community. This session aimed to educate participants on the diverse experiences of people with different sexual orientations and gender identities, promoting a more inclusive environment within the Bureau.

Participants composed of LMB Employees, LMB GAD Focal Point System and Barangay officials from Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City are actively engaging to the activity discussions and presentation

The second and third-day lectures focused on Gender Analysis, covering the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) and the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF). Participants learned how to apply gender analysis in their work, ensuring that land management practices consider all genders’ different needs and perspectives. This knowledge is crucial for developing policies and practices that promote gender equality in land management.

Through this lecture series, the LMB aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and equality within the bureau and beyond. By educating its members on gender-related issues and providing them with the tools to promote gender equality, the LMB is taking a significant step towards ensuring that every individual can live without fear of discrimination and with the full recognition of their rights.

The LMB’s participation in Philippine Pride Month reflects its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from the bureau’s work in land management. This initiative is a testament to the LMB’s dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable society.