CIAC renews push for gender equality, inclusivity, among Clark locators
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE ⸺ The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has reaffirmed its strong support for Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustained programs that promote gender equality, inclusivity, and women’s empowerment both within the agency and among its partner stakeholders.
As part of its continuing commitment, CIAC announced the conduct of a GAD lecture-seminar on March 26 at the Clark civil aviation complex which will gather employees from companies operating within the Clark Freeport Zone.
The activity forms part of the CIAC’s broader GAD advocacy and its celebration of National Women’s Month this March.
CIAC President Jojit Alcazar emphasized the role of collaborative efforts in advancing gender equality, noting the participation of locator companies and their workforce is crucial in expanding awareness and strengthening inclusive workplace practices.
“CIAC remains committed to supporting GAD programs that promote inclusivity and gender equality. By engaging our locators and encouraging their employees to participate in these initiatives, we hope to further broaden awareness and reinforce the importance of equal opportunities in the workplace,” Alcazar said.
Major CIAC locators, including Global Gateway Development Corp., Luen Thai International, and Outback Five Star Clark Phils., Inc., employ thousands of workers, a significant number of whom are women.
CIAC said the involvement of these companies in GAD-related activities helps ensure that gender-responsive policies and practices are promoted not only within government but also in the private sector operating within the Clark Aviation Capital.
CIAC GAD Focal Person and Chief Finance Officer Nancy Paglinawan stressed that the agency continues to champion the protection of women’s rights and the promotion of safe and equitable working environments.
“Our GAD programs aim to strengthen awareness on non-discrimination and protection from all forms of violence, particularly against women workers. Through these activities, we hope to cascade these important principles to the private sector and encourage workplaces that are respectful, safe, and inclusive,” Paglinawan said.
CIAC’s lineup of GAD-related activities this month includes a seminar on “Women’s Reproductive Health System and Diseases Affecting Women” scheduled on March 17.
The agency will also conduct an outreach program titled “Serbisyo para kay Juana” on March 25 at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-run Haven for Girls in Pampanga, further demonstrating CIAC’s commitment to community engagement and women-centered support services.
Paglinawan noted CIAC’s continued efforts in implementing gender-responsive programs have gained national recognition.
Late last year, the agency received an award from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its exemplary implementation of GAD programs and for recording the highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure among government-owned and controlled corporations.
The National Women’s Month Celebration serves as an important platform for recognizing women’s achievements while highlighting key issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
This year marks the third installment of the 2023–2028 recurring campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” which calls for stronger collaboration and collective action to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
For 2026, the celebration carries the sub-theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, drawing inspiration from the babaylans of pre-colonial Philippine society, who were regarded as wise, compassionate, and respected community leaders.
Through its GAD initiatives, CIAC said it remains committed to supporting this vision by promoting inclusive development and empowering women within and beyond the Clark aviation community. #