GOVPH

DepEd Quezon Launches Baskula, Awards Winners of GAD Vlog-Making Contest

 In celebration of the 2021 International Women’s Month, the Schools Division of Quezon unveiled its first gender and development (GAD) folio titled Baskula, and awarded the winning entries for the Division vlog-making contest on Monday, March 29.

Oscar Duma Jr., Senior Education Program Specialist, said on his speech that the rationale of Baskula is to strengthen the awareness campaign on GAD program in the Division. “This Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material will be used to promote gender equality and recognize the essential roles of both men and women in organizational development,” explained the editor-in-chief and proponent of MACHETE (Men Advocating GAD Consciousness for Human Equity and Transformative Education).

“SDO Quezon is proud to announce that said folio was assigned with International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) from the National Library of the Philippines, that is 2719-1885,” added Duma. He further noted that its title was derived from the Spanish term “bascula" which means balance or scale, a metaphor to equality prompting the idea that all people deserve equal rights and opportunities.

Articles included in the book were selected from entries of the GAD article writing contest highlighting the essential roles of women in the society and their resilience in times of pandemic. The 36 contributing writers were given certificates of recognition through the Division GAD Focal Point System (GFPS).

OIC-ASDS Gregorio A. Co Jr. and OIC-ASDS Herbert D. Perez led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, together with SGOD Chief Elizabeth M. De Villa and CID Chief Dr. Lorena S. Walangsumbat, in the presence of the GFPS, MACHETE Officers, select SDO personnel, and participant-viewers via Zoom and Quezon DepEd Tayo Facebook page.

Meanwhile, as part of the culminating activity, the SDO also awarded the best GAD vlogs guided by the national theme “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”. Said vlog-making contest was participated by 11 district-participants all over the Division, and Mary Joyce Salamat, Education Program Specialist II (EPS-II), made the announcement of winners.

Mulanay District stood on top as they focused their entry on how women in the community have been overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. Candelaria West District placed second featuring an eldest child carrying parental responsibility on her shoulders since her mother passed away. Showcasing the roles of women in the school, Lucban District landed as third placer.

“We need to support women, especially the teachers who act as parents to their learners, aiming to educate them towards success,” said Elias Alicaya Jr., OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, in his message. Alicaya also said that it is a must to put emphasis on the importance of women during these days, not only in education but also in other sectors.

Said activity became a success because of the commitment of all Division GFPS members to promote equality of both men and women, through Michelle G. Duma, EPS-II and Division GAD Coordinator, with the guidance and full support of the Top Management.