The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gender and Development Office and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) Committee recently convened to strengthen collaboration in advancing gender equality and inclusive spaces across institutions.

The dialogue aimed to bridge gaps in gender mainstreaming by facilitating the exchange of insights and best practices among stakeholders, while identifying strategies to promote inclusivity in their respective organizations.

The initiative supports the administration’s call for a whole-of-nation approach to building an inclusive and progressive society, with women empowerment identified as a key pillar of nation-building.

Leading the discussions were AFP GAD Office Head Captain Venus Gualdaquever of the Philippine Navy and BCDA GFPS Head and Vice President Atty. Blaise Alaras-Malabanan.

Organizers said the engagement underscores the importance of partnerships in pushing forward gender and development (GAD) programs and ensuring that policies translate into meaningful impact across sectors.