For so long, road maintenance was seen as “men's work” but women equipped with training are proving that they can also do the job and play an integral part in taking care of our highways.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), supporter and advocate of women empowerment, promotes gender sensitivity and social responsibility by providing non-traditional jobs for women.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 2 Director Melvin B. Navarro said that the agency in partnership with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has opened to women challenging and sustainable jobs such as road maintenance works which was traditionally handled by men.
Navarro said that adequate training programs were given to women to enhance their skills and capabilities in doing maintenance works, among which is the operation kneading machine used for thermoplastic pavement marking.
"Through the new learned skills, women which pursue non-traditional jobs will become more productive, gain self-reliance, and help improve their respective family income as DPWH guarantees that all persons regardless of gender have equal opportunities to get involved in our development activities”, added Navarro.
Women road workers have undergone orientation in operating the Kneading Machine at the DPWH-Cagayan 2nd District Engineering Office compound in Libertad, Abulug, Cagayan prior to their deployment.
Based on monitoring of Cagayan Second District Engineer Joselito Arao, the first batch of women road workers started applying/installing thermoplastic pavement markings along Manila North Road (MNR), Lucban Section (KO667 to KO 668) in Abulug, Cagayan.
For 23 years old Chinee Gaba, her being exposed to fieldwork is challenging and fulfilling knowing that she is among the first batch of women employed in this kind of work.
Meanwhile 25 years old Jenelin Palatan of Tuguegarao City revealed that her job which is hard as may be viewed their being exposed outside office but it became light and easy with the DPWH providing good tools, working environment and treating them equally.
“Doing a man’s job gives me a sense of fulfillment that is why I’m encouraging others to apply here in DPWH”, said Palatan.