GENDER SENSITIVITY WITHIN THE PUBLIC SAFETY SECTOR IN SAN PABLO CITY, LAGUNA

Gender equality and empowerment of both sexes in the workplace allow more opportunity and enhance the personnel's capability and job performance. In the context of public safety where sex is highly observed due to the nature of the job, gender sensitivity is oftentimes affected and, in some areas, discrimination exists. However, in the selected locale of the study, gender sensitivity is highly observed and given importance, and both sexes are given equal opportunity and treatment at all times. This study aimed to determine the perception of the group of respondents on gender sensitivity within the public safety sector in San Pablo City, Laguna, in terms of capability and job performance. The researcher employed a descriptive-quantitative research design through a survey questionnaire to gather accurate assessments by the group of respondents from the public safety sector, such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection. The findings revealed that gender sensitivity in the workplace within the public safety sector is largely upheld, highly observed, and promoted in the context of public safety concerning personnel capability and job performance. There is respect, autonomy, and equal treatment among the personnel. However, there is a potential benefit of enhancing employee capability through targeted interventions such as training and skills development to improve job performance outcomes in gender-sensitive environments. It was concluded that gender sensitivity in the workplace within the public safety sector is highly perceived. However, there is still a need to ensure consistent gender equality and awareness through capability training and interventions such as training development and close evaluation and motoring of gender-sensitive work environments. The researcher recommends a yearly evaluation and monitoring of enhancing capability and development programs to promote gender sensitivity. KEYWORDS: Gender sensitivity, Public Safety, Capability, Job performance, Workplace