40 employees of the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) undergo a 3-day intensive training on gender sensitivity from July 24, 26; August 12, 2024.
The training is intended to produce trainers and a pool of resource speakers from the different offices, divisions, and sections of DA-CAR for gender and development (GAD) topics.
Aida Pagtan, DA-CAR Alternate GAD Focal point-person, during her opening remarks reiterated the need to multiply GAD advocates through the conduct of seminars, workshops, and/or trainings for the employees of the agency and to incorporate gender lenses in their activities.
Ferdinand Gonzales, the resource speaker and accredited GAD trainer by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) discussed topics on GAD concepts, legal mandates, policy operatives, gender sensitivity, gender mainstreaming and related concepts which contribute in deepening the understanding on GAD.
“We need to have respect when dealing with these topics. We need to listen, have empathy, and trust that the space here is safe,” he said. There will be varying opinion which needs a lot of understanding and respect. He reminded to never assume someone’s gender or sexuality.
After his lecture, the participants made their own presentation incorporating gender lens in their activity or training design. AMAD focused on genderizing customer service including the importance of doing the extra mile and the 5 pillars/ key points of customer service.
“Going for the extra mile doesn’t require too much effort but it makes a big difference,” Ms. Brigette Talusig said during her presentation.
ILD contextualized their examples and shared their implementation assessment on INSPIRE program, impact on swine production, challenges and best practices from a gender lens perspective. A gender sensitized 10-hour activity profile was also presented which shows gender-balanced activities in the INSPIRE Program.
FOD presented the integration of gender lenses in farmer consultations. They focused on informing the men and women of farming communities on GAD during consultations and having equal representations of both sexes.
The participants expect for more discussion on this topic and hopes for another round and higher learning on GST+ and GST++ which involves gender fair language.
Ms. Susan Balanza, Ph.D., head of planning, monitoring, and evaluation division commented that during the recently concluded planning for 2025, the integration of GAD in the activities and programs of DA in the different divisions, offices, and sections is very crucial. She also hopes for a second batch for the program planners and coordinators.
The GAD team is still on the process of scheduling the second batch for other DA-CAR employees. By Rencel Bono
