Top: PSA-RSSO II officials and employees, together with the discussants and participants of the dissemination forum. Bottom, from left: Dr. Anabelle S. Sanchez, Ms. Melani L. Perez, Ms. Chanda I. Api, and PMaj. Baby Rose P. Cajulao during their discussions. 

26 March 2024 - TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN. The Philippine Statistics Authority-Regional Statistical Services Office II (PSA-RSSO II) successfully conducted the 2022 Women and Men in Cagayan Valley Regional Data Dissemination Forum in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on 26 March 2023 which wrapped-up its 2024 Women’s Month celebration. 

In his opening message, Engr Girme M. Bayucan, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PSA-RSSO II emphasized the need for and importance of readily available sex-disaggregated data for the policymakers and advocates of gender equality. “This dissemination forum is part and parcel of our contribution to Women’s Month celebration and our incessant commitment to deliver quality and relevant gender statistics,” he said.

In her inspirational message, Engr. Sylvia T. Lacambra, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology Region 02 (DOST RO2), encouraged the participants to unite and aim for a healthier community where every individual has the right to express themselves and reach for their full potential, especially in their workplaces, despite everyone’s gender preferences.

During the forum proper, Engr. Bayucan and Mr. Ernesto M. de Peralta, Jr., OIC of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD), presented the compilation of the sex-disaggregated information for 2023 covering the areas of Population and Families, Labor and Employment, Agriculture, Education, Vital Health, Family Planning, Social Welfare and Development, Migration, Peace and Human Rights, Public Life, Environment, and Violence against Women and Children.

On the other hand, four discussants were able to share their respective topics:
•     Dr. Anabelle S. Sanchez, Medical Officer IV of the Department of Health (DOH), on Vital Health
•     Ms. Melani L. Perez, Population Program Officer III of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), on Family Planning
•     Ms. Chanda T. Api, OIC of the Policy and Plans Division of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), on Social Welfare and Development
•     PMaj. Baby Rose P. Cajulao, Chief of the Family, Juvenile, and Gender and Development (FJGAD) Community of the Philippine National Police Region 02, on Peace and Human Rights

In closing, Engr. Rose Q. Pacay, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of PSA-RSSO II, said that the WAM dissemination forum underscores the role of data in shaping policies and laws that empower and benefit women in both workplaces and the community. The sex-disaggregated data presented allowed participants to gain insights that may address the specific needs of both men and women, ensuring that the efforts towards gender equality are comprehensive and effective. “Our commitment to gender equality should not be limited to the designated timeframe but must become an intrinsic part of our values and principles,” Engr. Pacay ended.

The forum was attended by 54 personnel from the different Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), Academe and media, including officials and employees of PSA in Region 2.

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN
Chief Statistical Specialist
Officer-In-Charge, PSA-RSSO II

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