The Philippine Center for Economic Development (PCED), in partnership with the UP School of Economics (UPSE), successfully conducted a two-day Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Sensitivity Training on June 18–19, 2026, at the PCED Diosdado Macapagal Auditorium.
The training gathered around 50 administrative personnel and Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) from UPSE and PCED, reinforcing the institutions’ shared commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through interactive discussions and practical learning sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the principles of gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion, as well as their significance in creating a respectful and supportive work environment.
The resource speaker, Carmen Roceli M. Lopez, MA, MoE, RN, an independent development consultant specializing in Gender and Development (GAD); Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Women’s Economic Empowerment; Training; and Public Health, shared valuable insights on gender perspectives, disability inclusion, unconscious bias, inclusive communication, and strategies for cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and belonging. Participants were encouraged to recognize that inclusion is not only a policy but a shared responsibility that begins with awareness and is sustained through everyday actions.
The activity also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on how inclusive practices can strengthen collaboration, improve organizational culture, and contribute to more responsive programs and services. By equipping its personnel with greater awareness and practical knowledge, PCED and UPSE continue to advance a workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Promoting gender equality and empowering all individuals through inclusive policies and practices.
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Addressing barriers to participation and fostering equal opportunities regardless of gender, disability, or social background.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Strengthening inclusive, accountable, and equitable institutions by promoting respect, fairness, and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Through initiatives such as the GEDSI Sensitivity Training, PCED, and UPSE reaffirm their commitment to building an inclusive institutional culture where diversity is recognized as a strength, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
