By Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
A capacity-building activity on Gender and Development (GAD) was conducted on July 24, 2024, at the Kalimudan Hall, Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, MSU-Main Campus. The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of GAD Focal Persons from various MSU units in integrating gender perspectives into their programs and activities, culminating in the development of Annual GAD Plans and Budgets.
The seminar-workshop began with a comprehensive discussion on the rationale and legal framework of GAD, presented by Prof.Melba M. Angni, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) and one of the GAD Focal Persons of the university. Participants were then guided through a review of GAD principles, concepts, and mainstreaming by Asoc. Prof. Nor-ain M. H. Esmail, MAP, RPm, a faculty member of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH). Emphasizing the significance of gender mainstreaming in the workplace, Asoc. Prof. Esmail highlighted its role in ensuring equal and equitable operations by addressing the gender-specific needs of both employees and clients.
Assist. Prof. Yasmira P. Moner, a faculty member in the Department of Political Science of the MSU-IIT, delved into the intricacies of harmonized GAD guidelines, including the preparation of Annual GAD Plans and Budgets and GAD Accomplishment Reports. Ms. Bai Theresa Sophia M. Macarambon of the Campus Budget Office provided an overview of the MSU Gender Equality and Participation Score (GEPS) GAD Calendar and urged GAD focal persons to promptly submit their Annual GAD Plans and Budgets to the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Secretariat for review.
To foster in-depth discussions, a breakout session was conducted, with participants grouped according to their units. Dr. Aldrich June B. Caraecle led the Academic Units, Assist. Prof. Charlou A. Bautista, MBA, CFMP facilitated the Semi-Academic Units, and Dr. Lei May Almaden-Dalaten oversaw the Administrative Units.
The activity concluded with valuable insights shared by Prof. Melba M. Angni, underscoring the crucial role of gender mainstreaming in achieving development objectives. This capacity-building initiative is considered a vital step towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment within the MSU community.
