The MWSS Regulatory Office (RO), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS), facilitated a GAD Kapihan session on 02 April 2025 in Quezon City. The session, titled “Consultation on the Integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) for Equitable Water and Wastewater Services,” had two main objectives: to enhance understanding and application of GEDSI principles, and to develop collaborative strategies for inclusive service delivery.
In addition to MWSS RO employees, the GAD Kapihan was attended by fellow GAD and inclusivity advocates from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development – DSWD (DSWD) Diversity and Inclusion Committee, The Asia Foundation , Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Manila Water, and Manila Water Foundation.
In his remarks, Chief Regulator Patrick Lester N. Ty reiterated the Office’s eagerness to foster collaborative partnerships with public and private organizations that inspire social justice and broader change.
After the presentations by invited resource speakers, Deputy Administrator for Administration and Legal Affairs (ALA-DA) and MWSS RO GFPS Chairperson Claudine B. Orocio-Isorena presented the draft GEDSI policy of the Office. The proposed policy includes its objectives, implementation guidelines, and review mechanisms. During her discussion, DA Orocio-Isorena welcomed inputs from the participants on the draft.
Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, DA for Customer Service Regulation Area, GFPS Vice Chairperson, and Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) MWSS RO Chapter Head, Lee Robert M. Britanico, summarized the plans of the Office to make its operations more inclusive. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable MWSS RO services and addressing the needs of marginalized sectors to promote inclusivity, proper representation, and wider participation.
The MWSS RO remains committed to working with its partners to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and women empowerment in the water sector.
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