May be an image of 10 people and weddingOctober 11, 2024 – The final day of the ASCOT Project BriGADa, a seminar dedicated to advancing Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, wrapped up still with a thought-provoking session led by Arlene “Diosa” Idioma Pascual, GAD Director of Bataan Peninsula State University.
 
On the concluding day, participants engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF), a vital assessment tool designed to measure the capacity and effectiveness of State Universities and Colleges (SUC) in implementing GAD principles. The session underscored the significance of using evaluation results as foundational elements in shaping the GAD Agenda, which subsequently informs the Annual GAD Plan and Budget.
 
The seminar also delved into GAD Planning and Budgeting, focusing on essential policy imperatives, guidelines, and procedural elements. Key topics included the steps required for effective planning and budgeting, as well as an in-depth discussion on the prescribed template for the Gender and Development Annual Report (GAD AR) specifically designed for National Government Agencies (NGAs).
The engaging discussions and collaborative workshops throughout the three-day seminar have equipped participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their institutions’ GAD frameworks and foster a more equitable and inclusive environment.
 
On behalf of Engr. Oscar C. Barawid Jr., PhD, the Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance, Ms. Maria Veronica M. Dulay, the head of the Human Resources and Management Office, emphasized in her closing remarks the importance of the three-day seminar for the development and proper integration of Gender and Development advocacy into every project and program of the College. “Sa pagbalik natin sa ASCOT, gamitin natin ang lahat ng napulot nating aral mula sa seminar and implement more GAD related activities na alam nating makakatulong pa sa paglago ng institusyon,” she said.