AFP Gender and Development

28/10/2025

Check this out, GADvocates! ⬇️

27/10/2025

AFP GAD Office Conducts Gender and Development Family Conference 2025

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Gender and Development Office (AFPGADO) successfully conducted the AFP Gender and Development (GAD) Family Conference 2025 with the theme “One Force, One Action: Advancing Gender Mainstreaming for a More Inclusive AFP” on 24 October 2025 at Dimalupig Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, held in hybrid setup.

The activity gathered officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources from AFP-wide units and offices to strengthen coordination, foster shared understanding, and enhance strategies for advancing gender mainstreaming across the organization. The event highlighted the AFP’s progress through its established GAD Focal Point Systems, capacity-building programs, and GAD planning initiatives, while recognizing continuing challenges in institutionalizing gender perspectives in all levels of military operations and administration. Invited key resource speakers shared their insights and expertise: Mr. Neil Ryann P. Rodil, Senior GAD Specialist from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), who delivered updates on the Philippine Gender Mainstreaming Strategy, Mr. Marlon M. Peralta, GAD Coordinator from the Department of National Defense (DND), discussed Gender Mainstreaming in the Defense Department, and Mr. Michael V. Manaois, Acting Deputy Chief of the AFP Gender and Development Office, presented an Orientation on the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS).

An open forum followed, providing participants with an avenue to raise questions, share experiences, and exchange ideas on the topics discussed. The conference concluded with the awarding of certificates to the Resource Speakers and a closing message from Captain Venus G. Gualdaquever PN (GSC), Chief of AFPGADO, who expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive development within the Armed Forces.

26/10/2025

AFPGAD Office Participates in the US Indo-Pacific Regional Military Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Advisor Course 2025 | Mr. Michael V. Manaois, Acting Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gender and Development Office (AFPGADO), attended the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Regional Military WPS Advisor Course as a returning faculty member held from 22 September to 03 October 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The course aimed to strengthen the integration of the WPS agenda in military operations and institutions. Participants engaged in lectures, panel discussions, breakout sessions, small group activities, and presentations focused on key areas such as: Operationalizing WPS – exploring international legal frameworks, national action plans, WPS in conflict and crisis operations, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian response and Institutionalizing WPS – advancing WPS mainstreaming, addressing organizational barriers, enhancing data-driven monitoring and evaluation, and developing strategic communication and training toolkits.

This engagement underscores the AFP’s continued commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in both national and international settings.

24/10/2025

AFPGADO Chief Joins Panel of Experts in “Real Talk in Scrubs: Pressure Behind the Practice” Forum | The Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gender and Development Office (AFPGADO), served as one of the Panel of Experts during the “Real Talk in Scrubs: Pressure Behind the Practice” forum held on 24 October 2025 at the Victoriano Luna Auditorium, AFP Medical Center.

The forum tackled various forms of bullying—including digital, verbal, and legal dimensions—and highlighted the importance of fostering a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplace for all personnel promoting gender sensitivity, mental well-being, and a culture of respect within its ranks.

24/10/2025

Check this out, GADvocates! ⬇️

LOOK: The official logo of the Philippine Conference on Women, Peace and Security, happening on October 28 to 30, 2025, honors the enduring leadership of the Filipina—rooted in heritage, rising with purpose, and leading the path towards sustainable peacebuilding.

More than a symbol, it embodies a shared commitment to a just and secure future shaped by inclusion, dignity, and peace. Each element in the logo is thoughtfully woven to reflect the journey of women in peace and security.

The central figure honors leadership rooted in rich local realities, heritage, and strength. Together with celestial emblems of unity and hope, they embody a vision of a future shaped by inclusion, courage, and lasting peace.

11/10/2025

02/10/2025

01/10/2025

Congratulations to all the awardees recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women as 2024 Top Performing Agencies in GAD Budget Implementation! This recognition affirms the AFP’s strong commitment to mainstreaming gender perspectives in its policies, programs, and services. Kudos to AFPGADO and the GAD Offices of the Major Services for this remarkable achievement. Continue leading the way toward a more gender-responsive and inclusive AFP.

See full story in the original post below. ⬇️💜

AFP Recognized as Top-Performing Agency in Advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been recognized as one of the Top-Performing National Government Agencies (NGAs) in advancing gender equality and women empowerment.

The recognition was conferred by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for the AFP’s effective implementation of its Gender and Development (GAD) Budget for 2024 during an awarding ceremony held on September 25 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City.

Representing the AFP Chief of Staff, Commodore Zosimo M. Bolaños Jr. PN, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, AJ1, received the certificate of recognition along with Captain Venus G. Gualdaquever PN (GSC), Chief of the AFP Gender and Development Office (AFPGADO). The AFP secured distinctions for its efficient GAD Budget utilization, placing 5th in highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure and 7th in highest organization-focused GAD budget allocation among all NGAs.

The AFP Major Services also gained recognition through their respective GAD Offices. The Philippine Army earned the top rank in organization-focused expenditures, alongside high placements in allocation and overall budget categories. The Philippine Air Force ranked within the top 10 in several expenditure and allocation metrics, while the Philippine Navy secured first place in organization-focused expenditure and placed in multiple categories including attributed and client-focused allocations.

This recognition highlights the AFP’s unwavering commitment to gender mainstreaming, ensuring that gender equality and women empowerment are integrated into military policies, programs, and services. It also reflects the institution’s efforts to promote inclusivity in its ranks while reinforcing the role of women in defense, human resource development, and community engagement.///

26/09/2025

AFP Gender and Development Office participated in the DND GAD Executive Briefing held on September 24, 2025 at the DND Conference Room, Camp Aguinaldo. The activity aimed to advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda within the defense sector and to further promote the application of GAD as a transformative framework towards gender-responsive governance and leadership.

See full story in the original post below. ⬇️💜

24/09/2025

23/09/2025

From policy to action! 🗣️
We were honored to hear from distinguished leaders representing the security, government, and oversight sectors during PAKIGLAMBIGIT: Stakeholders’ Consultation on the Philippine National Action Plan on WPS 2023–2033 in Regions IX, X, and XIII, held on September 16–18, 2025, in Butuan City.
Key discussions centered on the significant contributions of women's leadership to peace building and the necessity of institutionalizing gender-responsive mechanisms.
The dialogue reinforced a crucial takeaway: the implementation of the 2023–2033 is a collective responsibility.

22/09/2025

The Chief, AFP Gender and Development Office CAPT VENUS G GUALDAQUEVER PN (GSC) made a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of Child Rights Advocacy Center (CRAC), Atty. Mylen Gonzales-Esquivel and Project Coordinator of Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), Ms. Frances Zabala on 19 September 2025 at Miriam College, Quezon City. The visit discussed matters for possible collaboration in executing agenda related to the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS).