The Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Training-Workshop on the Use of GAD Analysis and Tools in the Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) and Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) Program and Project Management officially opened on May 26 at the College Function Hall of the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) in Mandaon, Masbate.
The two-day training-workshop, which runs until May 27, 2026, is being conducted by the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) in collaboration with DEBESMSCAT. The activity aims to strengthen the integration of Gender and Development (GAD) analysis tools in the planning and management of programs and projects in the AANR sector and higher education institutions.
The opening program featured welcome remarks from Dr. Erwin H. Malto, Vice President for Administration and Finance and Officer-in-Charge of DEBESMSCAT. This was followed by the recognition of guests and participants, as well as the presentation of the mechanics of the two-day activity led by Dr. Joey V. Pardeño, Director of the Gender and Development Office.
DEBESMSCAT President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca also delivered a message underscoring the importance of institutionalizing gender-responsive approaches in program implementation and development. He likewise extended his greetings in celebration of the 50th anniversary of BCAARRD.
Serving as resource speakers for the training-workshop are Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice President for Academic Affairs of DEBESMSCAT, Gender Specialist, and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National GAD Resource Pool Member, who facilitated discussions on updates on gender, basic GAD concepts in the context of research, development, and extension (RD&E) projects, gender issues, and GAD policy imperatives.
Also providing technical inputs is Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero, Gender Specialist, PCW National GAD Resource Pool Member, and Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) Experts Pool Member for Fisheries and Gender, who discussed the importance of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG), including the introduction and application of HGDG design checklists in proposed programs and projects.
The workshop also includes hands-on activities on the application of gender analysis frameworks and tools, mentoring and coaching sessions, and participants’ presentation of project proposals to further enhance the integration of GAD perspectives in institutional programs and initiatives.
Through the initiative, BCAARRD and DEBESMSCAT continue to advance gender-responsive governance and development by equipping participants with practical tools and competencies necessary for inclusive and equitable program and project management in the AANR and education sectors.
Ladies and gentlemen,
