The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has recently conducted an impactful Gender and Development (GAD) seminar aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment. This initiative underscores PAGCOR’s long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality, improving employee well-being, and setting a benchmark for other organizations to follow.

PAGCOR Champions Gender and Development (GAD)

Exploring Best Practices Through GSIS Facilities Tour

As part of the seminar, participants toured various Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) facilities to gain insights into modern practices that enhance the quality of life for employees. The tour provided practical examples of how companies can integrate innovative solutions to address potential workplace challenges.

Facilities Promoting Employee Well-Being

During the tour, PAGCOR representatives explored several key facilities designed to meet diverse employee needs:

• Multi-faith Prayer Rooms: These spaces accommodate employees of all religious backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity.
• Meditation and Relaxation Areas: Dedicated zones where employees can decompress, reducing workplace stress and enhancing mental health.
• Private Facilities for New Mothers: Secure and hygienic areas where nursing mothers can express milk or attend to their infants, ensuring a supportive environment for working parents.
• Preschool Facilities: An accredited Department of Education preschool offers employees a reliable solution for childcare, enabling a better work-life balance.
• Mental Health Services: Counseling and mental health resources are readily available, ensuring employees have access to essential support systems when needed.

These facilities serve as a model for businesses seeking to elevate their workplace practices and prioritize employee welfare.

PAGCOR’s Legacy of Gender Equality Initiatives

PAGCOR’s participation in this seminar builds on its history of promoting Gender and Development (GAD). Over the years, the organization has engaged in a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering gender equality and addressing critical social issues, particularly in the casino and gaming industries.

Efforts to Combat Sexual Harassment

One of PAGCOR’s key focus areas has been reducing sexual harassment within the workplace. By attending workshops and implementing comprehensive policies, PAGCOR has taken significant steps to create safer and more equitable environments for women in the casino industry.

Redefining Gender Roles

According to PAGCOR, GAD policies aim to “redefine traditional gender role expectations” to ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate in the public sphere. This vision is rooted in the Philippine Plan for Gender and Development (1995-2025), a 30-year framework signed by former President Fidel Ramos to promote full equality between women and men.

Insights from the GAD Seminar

The seminar featured a dynamic discussion led by Wick Veloso, President and General Manager of GSIS, alongside PAGCOR’s newly established GAD Technical Working Group. The working group, chaired by Julia Morales, PAGCOR’s GAD Executive Committee Chairperson, is tasked with developing and implementing gender-sensitive policies and programs.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

1. Collaborative Policy Formation: Veloso emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions to craft policies that reflect the needs of a diverse workforce.
2. Addressing Workplace Inequities: Strategies to identify and address systemic inequities were outlined, with a focus on inclusivity and fairness.
3. Promoting Mental Health: Integrating mental health resources into workplace policies was highlighted as a critical component of employee well-being.

These discussions are expected to guide PAGCOR’s efforts in implementing effective GAD initiatives across its operations.

PAGCOR’s Vision for the Philippine Gambling Market

In its latest financial reports, PAGCOR estimates that the Philippine gambling market is on track to surpass PHP350 billion (US$6.04 billion) in gross gaming revenue (GGR). This growth underscores the importance of fostering a progressive and inclusive corporate culture to sustain the industry’s momentum.

Leveraging Gender Equality for Business Growth

Research consistently shows that gender-diverse organizations outperform their peers. By prioritizing gender equality and employee well-being, PAGCOR is positioning itself as a leader in the gaming industry while driving long-term shareholder value.

The Broader Implications of GAD Policies

PAGCOR’s commitment to GAD extends beyond its corporate boundaries, reflecting broader societal trends in the Philippines. The intersection of gender equality and business practices highlights the potential for transformative change in both the public and private sectors.

Community Involvement and Advocacy

PAGCOR has also demonstrated its dedication to community development through its participation in various GAD-related initiatives. By aligning with national goals, PAGCOR is contributing to the realization of the Philippine Plan for Gender and Development’s vision of equality and inclusive growth.

A Model for Other Organizations

PAGCOR’s approach serves as a blueprint for other businesses aiming to enhance workplace practices. By integrating innovative solutions like those showcased during the GSIS facilities tour, companies can create environments where all employees feel valued and supported.

Conclusion: The Seminar

The Gender and Development seminar hosted by PAGCOR signifies a bold step forward in redefining workplace practices to align with modern standards of inclusivity and equity. By leveraging insights from GSIS facilities and fostering collaborative discussions, PAGCOR continues to lead by example in the Philippine gaming industry.

FAQs About PAGCOR’s Gender and Development (GAD) Seminar

1. What is the purpose of PAGCOR’s Gender and Development (GAD) seminar?

The seminar aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment by advancing gender equality, improving employee well-being, and setting best practices for workplace inclusivity.

2. What facilities were highlighted during the GSIS tour as part of the seminar?

The seminar included a tour of GSIS facilities, showcasing:

• Multi-faith prayer rooms: Accommodating employees of diverse religious backgrounds.
• Meditation and relaxation areas: Dedicated zones to promote mental health and reduce stress.
• Private facilities for new mothers: Safe and hygienic spaces for nursing mothers.
• Preschool facilities: Department of Education-accredited childcare solutions for employees.
• Mental health services: Counseling and support for employees’ mental well-being.

3. How does PAGCOR promote gender equality in the workplace?

PAGCOR promotes gender equality through various initiatives such as:

• Reducing sexual harassment in the workplace.
• Redefining traditional gender roles to ensure equal opportunities for women.
• Aligning with the Philippine Plan for Gender and Development (1995–2025) to achieve full gender equality.

4. Who are the key leaders involved in the seminar?

The seminar featured contributions from:

• Wick Veloso, President and General Manager of GSIS, who shared insights on collaborative policy formation and workplace inclusivity.
• Julia Morales, Chairperson of PAGCOR’s GAD Executive Committee, who leads the GAD Technical Working Group.

5. What are some key takeaways from the seminar?

The seminar emphasized:\n

1. Collaborative Policy Formation: Institutions working together to develop inclusive policies.
2. Addressing Workplace Inequities: Identifying and resolving systemic inequalities.
3. Mental Health Advocacy: Integrating mental health resources into workplace policies.

6. What is PAGCOR’s stance on sexual harassment?

PAGCOR actively combats sexual harassment by attending workshops and implementing comprehensive policies to create safer work environments, especially in the casino industry.

7. How does gender equality contribute to PAGCOR’s business growth?

Research indicates that gender-diverse organizations tend to outperform their peers. By prioritizing gender equality and employee well-being, PAGCOR enhances its corporate culture, drives long-term shareholder value, and strengthens its leadership in the gaming industry.

8. What is the Philippine Plan for Gender and Development (1995–2025)?

It is a 30-year framework signed by former President Fidel Ramos to promote equality between women and men, aiming for full gender equality in all sectors of Philippine society.

9. How does PAGCOR’s GAD commitment benefit the community?

PAGCOR’s GAD initiatives extend beyond its organization by:\n

• Supporting community development.
• Contributing to national goals for gender equality.
• Aligning with broader societal trends to create inclusive growth opportunities.

10. How does PAGCOR plan to sustain its growth in the gambling market?

PAGCOR integrates progressive corporate practices like GAD initiatives and inclusive policies to maintain momentum in the Philippine gambling market, projected to surpass PHP 350 billion in gross gaming revenue.