18/09/2026
The 3rd Gender Advocates Conference (GAC) held on Sept. 10- 11, 2026, at Novotel, Cubao, Quezon City, with the theme โ๐ผ๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฎ, ๐ฟ๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ช๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ (๐๐๐ฟ๐๐) ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ค๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ง,โ was a meaningful two-day celebration of learning, collaboration, and commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces and communities.
One of the highlights was the Panel Discussion on Care and Work, where representatives from different MFIs shared the importance of flexible work arrangements. Ms. Jhoana Marie Meneses, CPCS Manager, shared EPMIโs current practices on flexible work arrangements for the Head Office support team and how it helps address the needs of employees.
Another meaningful activity was the Collaborative Workshop: โTowards More Sustainable MFIs: Challenges and Opportunities for GEDSI Advocacy & Institutional Integration,โ where participants identified the childcare needs of both staff and clients and explored ways to make our institutions more responsive and inclusive.
During the CEO Roundtable: โLeadership for Equality,โ Ms. Liza D. Eco emphasized the importance of equality in the workplace. She also expressed support for establishing daycare facilities in branches where clients bring their children during branch activitiesโan important step toward making financial services more accessible and family-friendly.
Before the first day ended, MFIs showcased their creativity and best practices through the World Cafรฉ, where EPMI proudly presented our GEDSI initiatives through a video summary and an interactive photo booth. Day 2 continued with workshops, roadmap discussions, and personal reflectionsโreminding us that GEDSI is not just a program, but a shared commitment that requires continuous action.
And we are grateful to celebrate two meaningful recognitions:
๐ ๐ฉ๐น๐ผ๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ผ๐ป โ ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐น๐ฒ๐
๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ป๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ
These achievements are a reflection of the collaboration, dedication, and teamwork of the entire ECLOF Philippines Microfinance, Inc. family. ๐
Together, we continue to build a workplace and community where everyone is valued, included, and given the opportunity to thrive.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฑโ๐ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ด๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐! ๐โจ
