Over 150 employees of DA-BFAR XI gathered in Tagum City for a Gender and Development Capability Team Building Session on December 1, 2023.

The session, organized by the BFAR XI Gender and Development Focal Point System and Human Resource Management Section, aimed to strengthen camaraderie among employees while emphasizing awareness and sensitivity in fostering a non-discriminatory workplace.

In her opening remarks, Renee F. Enriquez, Head of the Finance and Administrative Section, emphasized the significance of team-building activities in increasing productivity and enhancing office functionality through collaborative efforts.

The activity featured various team-building sessions encouraging teamwork and unity among the participants. Employees were divided into six teams, each consisting of 20 members. The Yellow Fin Team emerged as the overall winner, showcasing exceptional teamwork, followed by the Violet and Pink Teams. Consolation prizes were awarded to the Red, Green, and Blue Teams.

Ms. Juna Mae Bacaling Benitez of the Provincial Fisheries Office- Davao del Sur received the Madiskarte Award for exemplifying leadership qualities. Meanwhile, Jefferson Montera, Provincial Fisheries Officer of Davao Oriental was named as the recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award. Another notable awardee was Jesus Ade Jr., of the National Stock Assessment Program, who was presented with the Best Leader Award for his excellent guidance of the Yellow Team to victory.

During the awarding ceremony, Ade shared his leadership insights, stating that they worked together as a team to tackle challenging tasks instead of relying on individual efforts.

“As a leader, do not put yourself on top but be the bridge that unites your members,” he added.

The activity aligns with DA-BFAR XI’s Gender and Development initiatives. In an interview, Ms. Sharon Baidiango, DA-BFAR XI GAD focal, emphasized that DA-BFAR XI, through its GFPS, remains committed to mainstreaming and integrating gender equality principles into its programs, projects, and activities.