29/05/2026
: The Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Training-Workshop on the Use of GAD Analysis and Tools in Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) and HEI's Program and Project Management successfully conducted on May 26-27, 2026 at DEBESMSCAT College Function Hall, Cabitan, Mandaon, Masbate.
The activity was organized by the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) in partnership with DEBESMSCAT, the workshop further built participants’ capacity to embed gender-responsive strategies across AANR programs and higher education projects.
The day opened with Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, DEBESMSCAT Gender Specialist, PCW National GAD Resource Pool Member, Education Expert Member who discussed the gender issues and GAD Policy Imperatives underscoring key takeaways and group discussions.
Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero, Gender Specialist and member of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National GAD Resource Pool, and an expert on fisheries and gender under the DOST-PCAARRD Experts Pool, led a session on using the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) Program Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PIMME) Checklist in project work.
The workshop gathered GAD focal persons, institutional representatives, and program leads from DOST Masbate, 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.
Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, DEBESMSCAT SUC President III, closed the workshop by calling on institutions to make gender-responsive governance a lasting practice—integrating GAD principles into policies, budgets, and everyday program operations. He extremely thanked the strong collaboration among partner agencies and resource persons, and thanked all participants for their active engagement and commitment to fostering more inclusive, equitable development across the bicol region.
Photo Credit: DEBESMSCAT Public Information Office