By Rhea Mae B. Ruba, DOST GAD Unit

Asec. Ignacio (upper most left) welcomed participants to the HGDG workshop. Various photos capture workshop moments across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao clusters, including Attached Agencies.

In a strategic initiative to mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) in the implementation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) projects and programs, a series of Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) workshops were conducted across the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao clusters, as well as in the DOST Attached Agencies.

These workshops were organized by the DOST's Gender and Development Unit (GADU), under the leadership of Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, who is also in charge of GADU and serves as the DOST-wide GAD Focal Person. The goal was to provide a capacity-building activity that promotes an enabling environment prioritizing gender equality and women empowerment.

Through its central theme, “Enhancing Knowledge on Integrating Gender Perspective in DOST Programs and Projects”, the HGDG workshops were focused and guided on these objectives: enhancing the knowledge and skills of DOST delegates in integrating a gender perspective into their programs and projects, leveling up DOST gender mainstreaming efforts by increasing the number of attributed programs and projects and reviewing the draft GAD Checklist for the Science and Technology Research and Development Proposal.

HGDG Lectures for Advancing GAD Lens

The HGDG workshops featured two main topics: “Revisiting the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines” and “Integrating Gender Perspective in DOST Programs and Projects.” These topics were presented by invited resource speakers and selected personnel from the DOST who share a common commitment to GAD.

Various resource speakers on HGDG workshop, the first topic led by Ms. Santy (upper most right) for Luzon Cluster, Ms. Siason (lower most left) for Visayas and Mindanao Clusters, Ms. Casalme (lower most right) for Attached Agencies, and Ms. Singson (upper most left) presented the second topic for all clusters and Attached Agencies.

The first lecture aimed to deepen the participants' understanding of the HGDG as a Gender Analysis Tool, ensuring that government programs and projects are gender-responsive. The presentation covered the features, principles, and objectives of the HGDG, highlighting the importance of these guidelines in gender mainstreaming.

In the second lecture, the significance of applying HGDG and integrating gender perspectives into DOST’s programs and projects was discussed. This presentation also addressed the use of appropriate assessment tools for various types of programs, including generic and sector-specific checklists. Additionally, it introduced the 10 Elements of Gender-Responsive Project Design or Proposal, which enhance the HGDG as a design checklist.

The speakers for the first lecture included Ms. Maristela T. Santy, an independent GAD consultant, who spoke for the Luzon cluster; Ms. M.E. Myrel M. Siason from DOST Region VIII, who presented for the Visayas and Mindanao clusters; and Ms. Anne Jeaneth B. Casalme from the Philippine Commission on Women, who addressed the DOST Attached Agencies. Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Fe B. Singson, from the DOST GADU led the second lecture at each HGDG workshop conducted from June to September 2024.

HGDG Benefits to the Department’s Initiatives

The most pressing matter addressed in the HGDG workshops was the development of the "DOST GAD Checklist for the S&T Project Proposal." This checklist guides the direction and content of programs and projects within the DOST, ensuring they are gender-sensitive and responsive. Participants from various clusters and attached agencies contributed comments, suggestions, and edits to help finalize the checklist.

The DOST GAD Checklist ensures the ongoing integration of gender perspectives into departmental initiatives, such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST). These flagship programs empower both men and women in communities to gain livelihoods and alleviate poverty.

As a DOST GAD advocate, Asec. Ignacio encouraged delegates to participate actively in and support the HGDG workshops. This involvement will increase the number of significant flagship programs in the GAD Plan and Budget, establishing strategies and tools to address gender concerns and issues.