BUILDING A RESILIENT WORKFORCE: DILG REGION VI CONDUCTSMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TALK

In its continuing commitment to promoting a healthy, resilient, and productive workforce, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office VI, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, successfully conducted the Mental Health Awareness Talk entitled "Mental Health Matters: Promoting Wellness, Resilience, and Productivity in the Workplace" on July 22, 2026, at the DILG Regional Office VI Conference Hall. The activity was conducted in a hybrid format, bringing together Regional Office personnel who attended onsite and Provincial and City Office personnel from across Western Visayas who participated virtually, ensuring broader accessibility and participation in this important initiative.

The activity was conducted as part of the Gender and Development (GAD) Program of DILG Regional Office VI, reaffirming the Department's commitment to implementing gender-responsive health initiatives that promote the mental well-being, resilience, and overall productivity of its personnel. The seminar underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health as a cornerstone of employee wellness and effective public service.

Serving as the resource speaker was Ms. Seana Paula S. Guarnes, CHRA, RPm, a Registered Psychometrician and Health Program Officer I at the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development, under the Mental Health Program of the Integrated Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases Section. She shared valuable insights on mental health awareness, stress management, resilience, and workplace well-being.

During the seminar, Ms. Guarnes underscored the importance of mental health as a vital component of overall well-being. She discussed common workplace mental health challenges and shared practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and practicing self-care. She also emphasized the value of fostering a psychologically safe and supportive workplace through empathy, respect, and open communication.

The activity concluded with an interactive open forum, where participants exchanged insights, raised questions, and gained a deeper understanding of mental wellness, coping strategies, and available mental health support services.

The activity reinforced that mental health is a shared workplace responsibility and an essential foundation of effective public service. By promoting mental wellness, DILG Regional Office VI aims to equip its personnel with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to manage stress, strengthen resilience, enhance productivity, and maintain overall well-being, enabling them to serve the public more effectively and compassionately.

The successful conduct of the Mental Health Awareness Talk underscores DILG Regional Office VI's steadfast commitment to promoting the holistic well-being of its personnel through gender-responsive programs and initiatives. As the Department continues to invest in the mental health and resilience of its workforce, it nurtures public servants who exemplify the DILG core values of Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan—empowering them to provide responsive, efficient, and compassionate public service for the people of Western Visayas.

DILG REGION VI CHAMPIONS GENDER EQUALITY THROUGH SAFE SPACES ACT (BAWAL BASTOS LAW) WEBINAR

As part of its unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace founded on respect, equality, and inclusivity, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office VI (DILG Region VI), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Program, successfully conducted a Webinar on Gender-Based Bias and Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) on May 21, 2026, via Zoom.

The webinar gathered DILG Region VI personnel for an insightful learning session led by Atty. Junine Wednesday Java, who served as the resource person. Drawing on her expertise, Atty. Java provided a comprehensive discussion on gender-based bias, the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 11313, and the shared responsibility of every employee in fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces.

The activity aimed to deepen participants' understanding of gender-based bias, promote respectful workplace behavior, and strengthen awareness of the rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Safe Spaces Act. It forms part of the Office's continuing efforts to cultivate a gender-responsive, harassment-free, and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, valued, and empowered.

Recognizing that a truly productive workplace begins with mutual respect, Atty. Java emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing gender-based discrimination, preventing all forms of sexual harassment, and encouraging accountability in creating safe spaces both in physical offices and digital platforms. Through practical examples and legal insights, participants gained a clearer appreciation of how the law safeguards the dignity and well-being of all individuals.

Beyond discussing the legal mandates of the Safe Spaces Act, the webinar encouraged participants to reflect on how everyday actions, language, and workplace interactions contribute to an organizational culture that upholds dignity, professionalism, and gender sensitivity. It underscored that creating safe spaces is not merely a legal obligation but a collective commitment that strengthens trust, collaboration, and employee well-being.

Through initiatives such as this, DILG Region VI continues to demonstrate its dedication to mainstreaming Gender and Development principles across all facets of governance and public service. By empowering its workforce with knowledge and promoting a culture of accountability and respect, the Regional Office reinforces its vision of an organization where every individual can thrive free from discrimination, bias, and harassment.

As DILG Region VI advances its commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance, it remains steadfast in ensuring that every workplace interaction reflects the values of respect, fairness, and compassion—building not only safer offices but also stronger public servants committed to delivering responsive, people-centered service. 

HEALTHY WORKFORCE, STRONGER SERVICE:DILG REGION VI LAUNCHES WEEKLY HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM

The Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office VI (DILG Region VI), through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD FPS), officially launched its Weekly Basic Health Monitoring Services on June 23, 2026, marking another milestone in its commitment to fostering a healthy, productive, and gender-responsive workplace.

The initiative, conducted in coordination with the DILG Region VI Senior Citizen Program and in partnership with the DILG Region VI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), successfully served 37 Regional Office personnel during its inaugural rollout.

The weekly health monitoring program provides free basic health assessment services, including Blood Pressure (BP) Check, Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Check, and Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Check, aimed at encouraging regular health monitoring and the early detection of potential health concerns among employees.

To ensure accessibility and convenience, Mr. Bobby Pepino, Administrative Aide IV and Safety Officer, visits the different divisions, sections, and units every Tuesday to personally provide the health monitoring services to interested personnel, eliminating the need for employees to leave their respective workstations.

This initiative forms part of the GAD FPS' continuing efforts to mainstream employee wellness as an essential component of gender-responsive governance. By promoting preventive healthcare and increasing awareness of one's health status, the program supports the physical well-being of personnel while contributing to a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment.

The Weekly Basic Health Monitoring Services will continue every Tuesday beginning at 8:00 A.M., with all DILG Region VI Regional Office personnel encouraged to avail themselves of these free services as part of the office's collective commitment to health, wellness, and quality public service.

Through initiatives such as this, the DILG Region VI GAD FPS reaffirms its dedication to championing programs that not only advance gender and development but also promote the overall well-being and welfare of every member of the organization.

EMPOWERED TO LEAD, INSPIRED TO SERVE: DILG REGION VI CHAMPIONS WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

As part of the 2026 National Women's Month Celebration (NWMC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office VI (DILG R6), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, successfully conducted the highlight of the National Women's Month Celebration on March 25, 2026 via Zoom platform dubbed as “The Strength of Empowered Women”—celebrating their resilience, courage, and vital role in shaping communities and public service.

Anchored on the 2026 NWMC theme, "Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas," the forum highlighted the enduring legacy of the Babaylan as a symbol of wisdom, healing, resilience, and transformative leadership. The activity served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the strength of empowered women and their invaluable contributions to public service and community development.

The forum featured volunteer nurse and fire medic, Miss HANNAH ANGELA GRACE NERI, RN,  and Ultramarathoner Mary Dominado as resource speakers whose inspiring stories of courage, resilience, and compassion reflected the true essence of empowered leadership. Drawing from their experiences on the frontlines of emergency response and disaster situations, they shared valuable insights on leading with purpose, remaining steadfast under pressure, and serving communities with dedication and selflessness.

Their inspiring testimonies encouraged DILG personnel, particularly women leaders and emerging professionals, to embrace courage and resilience in overcoming challenges, lead with compassion and integrity during times of crisis, and become catalysts for positive change in building safer, stronger, and more responsive communities.

The activity further reinforced DILG Region VI's commitment to promoting gender equality, women empowerment, and inclusive leadership by recognizing women whose exemplary service embodies the spirit of the modern Babaylan.

Through initiatives of the GAD FPS, DILG Region VI continued to strengthen its advocacy for gender-responsive governance and affirmed its commitment to fostering a workplace where women are empowered to lead, inspire, and transform communities through excellence in public service.