The second and final day of 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 concluded on May 27, 2026, at the College Function Hall of the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT).
The activity, spearheaded by the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) in collaboration with DEBESMSCAT, continued to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in integrating gender-responsive approaches in program and project implementation across the AANR and higher education sectors.
The second day commenced with the synthesis of Day 1 activities delivered by Dr. Nikki Faith A. Bantillo, DEBESMSCAT International Relations Officer, highlighting the key learnings and discussions from the previous sessions.
Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero, Gender Specialist, Philippine Commission on Women (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, facilitated the discussion on the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) Program Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PIMME) Checklist and its application.
Participants also engaged in Activity 3, which focused on the application of the HGDG PIMME Checklist through the presentation of midterm or terminal reports of projects in AANR, complemented by mentoring and coaching sessions to further improve gender integration in project management and implementation.
The training-workshop was attended by GAD Focals and representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Masbate, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Masbate, Partido State University, Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, PhilRice Bicol, Philippine Coconut Authority–Albay Research Center, Catanduanes State University, BCAARRD, and DEBESMSCAT GAD Focals, directors, and deans.
In his message, DEBESMSCAT SUC President III Dr. Arnel B. Millesca emphasized the importance of sustaining gender-responsive governance and institutionalizing GAD principles in programs and projects, while expressing appreciation to all partner agencies, speakers, and participants for their commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable development initiatives.
Ladies and gentlemen,
