 |
| The participants to the APEC workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand |
PSEFI-SKILLS' very own graduate, Ms. Myrna Pitaluna-Alngog, represented the country via the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as its Ambassadress for tech-voc training opportunities for women. Myrna is currently working in Primary Structures Corporation's (PSC) Manufacturing Department.
Following are excerpts from the report she made focusing on the outcomes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand from March 6-7, 2017:
 |
| Myrna before her presentation |
One hundred women and men from across APEC economies and partner organizations met in Thailand for a workshop on improving quality employment opportunities for women. A particular focus was placed on strategies to empower low-skilled women and those who may be caught in low-quality jobs, to steer progress toward the development goals agreed by economic leaders such as those in the 2016 APEC Leaders' Declaration on 'Quality Growth and Human Development.'
Progress has been made in most APEC economies to lift female labor force participation rates and improve job quality over the past 25 years. A wide range of strategies is being followed, informed by previously agreed policy priorities within APEC and other multilateral frameworks. However, there was a strong appreciation that female participation has declined overall in the APEC region and challenges remain to be addressed on many aspects of job quality.
 |
| Myrna facing the other APEC workshop delegates |
In addition to current inequities, some megatrends continue to face female employment, including major demographic change, technological and industrial transformation. These factors present both challenges and opportunities for improving quality employment for women in all 21 APEC member-economies.
As a result of the workshop, participants are better placed to build and strengthen partnerships between government, civil society and multilateral organizations and to cooperate on the challenges identified, both in terms of policy activity and practice.
Participants will continue to work on their communications, coordination, linkages, leadership, resourcing, partnerships, reporting, awareness and commitment --- the critical success factors identified by the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy.
 |
| Myrna with DTI Director Jean Pacheco |
This workshop was held on the cusp of International Women's Day 2017, and in its spirit, there was a renewed commitment to be "bold for change," in the Asia-Pacific community. Efforts will need to be well-targeted and scaled up to achieve the developmental goals identified by leaders in various global forums, including gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls, and full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
Myrna was with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director, Jean Pacheco, during the workshop. Dir. Pacheco posted the following text on her Facebook wall: As Day 1 of the conference is about to end, the Philippine representative gave a moving speech during Session 3 which dwelt on Education, Training and Transition to work. I am so proud of our delegate, Ms. Myrna Pitaluna, who delivered the day's best presentation, the most lauded and applauded. She is the only practitioner in a session full of development workers ... Proudly a female construction worker, Myrna said, "... being a woman is not a hindrance to do a man's job. We can compete and face this changing world as long as we have the passion, dedication and the will to succeed." Mabuhay ka, Myrna!
Well done, Myrna! Congratulations! Continue making us proud!
Comments
Post a Comment