TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila—As part of its advocacy against violence and harassment in the workplace, PNOC has launched its Gender and Development (GAD) Help Desk on November 25, 2025, to enable employees to report gender-related concerns through a secure and confidential channel. This initiative serves as the kickoff activity in line with the nationwide 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.
During the virtual launch, PNOC Senior Vice President for Energy Business and Vice President of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Atty. Graciela M. Barleta said the new platform is part of the company’s continuing efforts to promote a safe and equitable working environment.
“Let this help desk serve as a potent reminder and a firm commitment—all forms of violence, harassment, and discrimination have absolutely no place in this workplace. The help desk is here to listen, to guide, and to ensure accountability,” she remarked.
Atty. Barleta added that the Help Desk was developed through inputs gathered from PNOC’s GAD study and direct feedback from employees, underscoring the initiative’s participatory approach.
Sharina Mariz L. Walde, Public Relations Officer IV and Vice Chairperson of the GFPS Technical Working Group, provided further context on the Help Desk’s functions. She emphasized the importance of early intervention and collective responsibility in addressing incidents of violence and harassment.
“If you see, witness, or receive a report about any VAWC case, always be ready to help. Some people genuinely don’t know what to do; others may know but remain in denial or have their own reasons for not taking action. Let the change begin with us. We can go a long way, one step at a time,” she said.
Another highlight of the launch was a walkthrough led by Information Technology Officer II and GFPS-TWG Member Joane Renz D. Eseo, who demonstrated the platform’s key features and guided participants on how to navigate the system and file concerns quickly and securely.
The GAD Help Desk serves as PNOC’s centralized digital system for reporting workplace gender-related issues, including those encountered during official activities. It also provides access to legal guidance and gender-related information handled by authorized GFPS representatives. All data processed through the system ensures compliance with the R.A. 10173 or the Philippine Data Privacy Act.
Through this platform, concerns such as workplace sexual harassment, violence against women and children, and maternity or paternity-related inquiries can now be formally documented and routed for appropriate action.
The PNOC GAD Help Desk was developed through an inter-office collaboration involving the Management Information Systems Division and the Office of the General Counsel, and was primarily led by the GFPS.