On September 5 - 6, 2024, the TESDA Women’s Center (TWC), in collaboration with GCash, spearheaded a two-day 2024 Gender and Development International Hybrid Webinar Program in Taguig City.

The event aimed to increase awareness of the importance of gender-responsive technical vocational education and training (TVET), and provided a flexible, innovative and informative platform where experts shared insights on collaboration and network building. Additionally, the program sought to enhance the participants’ understanding of gender mainstreaming as a vital strategy to achieve gender equality and social inclusion.

On its first day, TWC Chief Mylene H. Somera welcomed all the participants both in the venue and all connected through Zoom and Facebook Live, while on the other hand, APACC Chairperson Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen also delivered a Message to everyone sighting the importance of a gender responsive institution such as the TWC.

TESDA Planning Office Assistant Executive Director Katherine Amor Zarsadias, Skills for Prosperity PH Senior Project Officer Katherine Brimon and GCash Chief Strategy Officer Rowena P. Zamora served as key resource persons during the webinar while Xavier C. Alpasa, Center Advisory Council Member on Social Economic Sector served as Moderator during the Question and Answer portion.

On it’s second day, key resource persons including TESDA Deputy Director General Nelly Nita N. Dillera; TESDA Planning Office Assistant Executive Director Katherine Amor Zarsadias; Senior Director of Coca-cola East Region Ivanna dela Torre; and WIFI Women in Infrastructure Director, Gia Veloso, gracefully shared their expertise in a Panel Discussion entitled "Collaboration and Network Building to Foster Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: The Philippine TVET Experience", where TESDA Women Center’s Advisory Council Chairperson Pacita U.Juan served as Moderator. Lastly, Department of Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez concluded the event with an Inspirational Message.