Port agency installs gender-sensitive facilities in Jolo seaport

COTABATO CITY -Management Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPMA-ARMM) has installed gender-sensitive facilities and amenities in the seaport of Jolo, Sulu.Amenities like women’s desk, public assistance and information booth, public address system, and a computer and communication station were installed in the modern passenger terminal building of the port.Also put in place were breastfeeding area, interfaith prayer room, first-aid facility, and priority lanes. These facilities were officially turned-over to the terminal building management on July 28 at the Port of Jolo.Assistant Secretary for Sulu Convergence Irene P. Tillah of the Department of Social Welfare and Development persons with disabilities representative Suharto S. Hayudini Maritime Police representative SPO3 Abdullah Sasapan and representatives from different shipping lines and stakeholders of the port attended the ceremony.Asec. Tillah said the project is a manifestation of the vision and mission of the government in providing competitive ports and ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and efficient port services to its users and clienteles.” Furthermore, she said the gender and development facilities and amenities in the port of Jolo are the first, if not the only (such facilities installed) in a Mindanao port.”Prior to the ceremony, the agency conducted an in-house orientation on gender and development issues for its officials and staff. The orientation aims at further enhancing their understanding of such concept.