Quezon City – In a continuing effort to advance gender mainstreaming in the labor justice system, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) conducted a hybrid seminar-workshop titled “Fostering Inclusive Workplaces: Promoting Gender-Fair Language and Safe Spaces on Labor Justice” on May 15, 2025, at the NLRC, 6th Floor, Ben-Lor Building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. The event was attended by Commissioners, Labor Arbiters, and Commission Attorneys, and focused on promoting inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace practices within the Commission.

The seminar-workshop aimed to strengthen the Commission’s commitment to eliminating gender bias and discriminatory practices, particularly in the disposition of labor cases. NLRC Chairperson Grace E. Maniquiz-Tan, expressed full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of upholding fairness, inclusivity, and respect not only in decisions but also in everyday language and workplace behavior within the labor justice system.

The discussion was anchored on key legal frameworks promoting gender sensitivity. Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act, recognizes the dignity of every human person and penalizes acts—including the use of language—that ridicule or discriminate based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. This includes sexist, homophobic, and transphobic statements and slurs. In alignment with this, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Circular No. 82-2006, later reiterated through Memorandum Order No. 90-2021, which adopts in full the Civil Service Commission’s Memorandum Circular No. 12, s. 2005, mandating the use of non-sexist language in all official documents and communications in the judiciary. These policies underscore that sexist language devalues individuals—often women—fosters inequality, and may subtly perpetuate sexism and confusion.

Serving as the resource speaker was Hon. Flordeliz Cabanlit Fargas, Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 5 (Family Court), who discussed fundamental gender concepts, legal foundations, and the practical application of gender-fair language in professional settings. Judge Fargas facilitated an interactive meta card activity where participants expressed their views on gender roles and stereotypes, encouraging reflection and dialogue. The activity emphasized the role of NLRC personnel in fostering a culture of gender sensitivity and inclusivity—not only in decisions rendered but also in the environments they create and the language they use.

The seminar concluded with a dynamic open forum where participants shared personal insights, including reflections on the marginalization of women and the respectful use of pronouns. Through this initiative, the NLRC reaffirmed its dedication not only to protecting labor rights but also to promoting human dignity and gender equality at every level of its operations.

#NLRC #GenderFairLanguage #SafeSpacesInLaborJustice