Arrows of Love, Voices of Strength: A
Celebration of Gender Sensitivity and
Empowerment in the Workplace
February 13, 2025, was not just another day in the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands. It was a day where love was not just felt but also understood, where empowerment was not just spoken about but lived. Against the backdrop of hearts, chocolates, and soft melodies of Valentine’s Day, the division embraced a deeper conversation—one that revolved around gender sensitivity and the enduring strength of empowered individuals in the workplace.
The event began with an insightful welcome address from Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) Dr. Bryan L. Arreo, who captivated the audience with a compelling analogy drawn from Roman mythology. He spoke of Cupid, the cherubic archer whose quiver holds two kinds of arrows—gold, which sparks desire and love, and lead, which breeds aversion and rejection. “Cupid’s role is both a blessing and a challenge,” he remarked. “Much like ours. If love goes beyond mere emotion, our commitment to work must also go beyond intention. It demands effort and sacrifice. So, let’s be mindful of the arrows we choose to use, as they can either make or break the hearts of our clients—ultimately, our learners.” His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone that the choices they make in the workplace have lasting impacts.
In her heartfelt message, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Florence E. Almaden set the tone for the occasion. “Love doesn’t make the world go round,” she said, pausing as eyes turned to her, “but it makes the journey worth it.” Indeed, love, in its many forms, became the cornerstone of the day—not just romantic love but love for one’s work, for equality, and for the pursuit of a just and inclusive society.
The program further unfolded with an engaging lecture by Dr. Roxanne Mae Daz, the division’s Gender and Development (GAD) Focal. She shed light on the harsh realities that history has bestowed upon women—how, for centuries, their voices were silenced, their contributions minimized, and their worth often questioned. “This,” she stressed, “is why we continue to emphasize women empowerment. Because for too long, history has been unkind. We have to correct it. Not to favor one gender over the other, but to ensure that fairness and respect are no longer privileges but norms.” She also tackled gender sensitivity, underscoring the importance of breaking biases and fostering inclusivity within the workplace.
As the event embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day, SDS Almaden added a personal touch by sharing pens and chocolates, a simple yet symbolic gesture of appreciation. The pens represented the power to write one’s own story, to shape narratives that inspire and lead, while the chocolates were a sweet reminder of kindness and warmth amid daily challenges.
As part of the celebration, the Division Executive Committee presented the “Cupid’s Office Award” to the Records Office for showcasing the most romantic and creatively designed display, setting the perfect ambiance for love and appreciation.
The event concluded with a lighthearted yet meaningful gimmick—a game of a ‘hidden king’ finding his queen. Laughter and cheers filled the venue as division personnel playfully engaged in the activity, but beneath the fun lay a deeper reflection: in the journey toward gender sensitivity and empowerment, everyone has a role to play.
As the celebration wrapped up, the message was clear—empowerment is love in action. It is in choosing the right arrows, in uplifting rather than breaking, in recognizing that strength is not measured by dominance but by the ability to create a world where fairness, respect, and equality thrive. And that, indeed, makes the journey worth it.
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