The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has powerfully reaffirmed its unwavering support for Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, underscoring a deep commitment to fostering gender equality, inclusivity, and women's empowerment across its operations and partner networks.
March 2026: A Month of Advocacy and Action
As part of its GAD advocacy and in celebration of National Women's Month this March, CIAC has scheduled a significant GAD lecture-seminar for March 26, 2026. This event will be held at the Clark civil aviation complex and is expected to convene employees from various companies operating within the Clark Freeport zone.
Leadership Emphasizes Collaborative Efforts
CIAC President Jojit Alcazar emphasized that collaborative efforts are essential for advancing gender equality. He highlighted that the participation of locators and their workforce is crucial for expanding awareness and strengthening inclusive workplace practices. Key CIAC locators, including Global Gateway Development Corp., Luen Thai International, and Outback Five Star Clark Phils., Inc., collectively employ thousands of women, making their involvement vital.
Alcazar noted that the involvement of these companies in GAD-related activities helps ensure that gender-responsive policies and practices are promoted not only within government agencies but also throughout the private sector operating within the Clark Aviation Capital region.
Championing Women's Rights and Safe Environments
CIAC GAD Focal Person and Chief Finance Officer Nancy Paglinawan stressed the agency's ongoing commitment to championing the protection of women's rights and promoting safe, 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 stated.
A Comprehensive Lineup of GAD Activities
CIAC has lined up a series of GAD-related activities throughout March 2026, demonstrating a holistic approach to gender advocacy:
- A seminar on "Women's Reproductive Health System and Diseases Affecting Women" scheduled for March 17, 2026.
- An outreach program titled "Serbisyo para kay Juana" on March 25, 2026, to be conducted at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Haven for Girls in Pampanga.
National Recognition for Gender-Responsive Programs
Paglinawan highlighted that CIAC's efforts in implementing gender-responsive programs have gained significant national recognition. In late 2025, the corporation received a prestigious award from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its exemplary implementation of GAD programs. Notably, CIAC recorded the highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure among all government-owned and controlled corporations, showcasing its dedicated financial commitment to gender equality initiatives.
This recognition underscores CIAC's role as a leader in promoting gender inclusivity within the aviation and corporate sectors, setting a benchmark for other organizations to follow in creating more equitable and supportive work environments for all employees.
