The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera recently conducted a Gender Executive Session aimed at accelerating gender mainstreaming within the organization.
The session focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of basic Gender and Development (GAD) concepts, Gender Analysis, and integrating Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting procedures into project documents and proposals.
Dr. Ferdinand Gonzales, a certified member of the National Gender and Development Resource Pool, emphasized the importance of establishing institutional capacities within the Gender Focal Point System and the need for further development and improvement in this area.
This initiative aligns with Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) Resolution No. 46 Series of 2024, which calls for the integration of Gender Analysis into project proposals submitted to the RDC-CAR by various entities. Sample proposals from different divisions within the department were assessed using the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines tool to ensure gender responsiveness.
“It is commendable that the department is actively working towards addressing gender issues and promoting gender inclusivity through project proposals and activity designs,” said Dr Gonzales. He also highlighted the importance of incorporating a gender perspective not only in project proposals but also in all departmental activities.
Nicasio Baucas, Chief of the Research Division expressed support for these efforts, particularly in the preparation of templates for GAD project proposals and further steps to enhance gender mainstreaming within the organization. By Jelly Pearl Potectan
