DOST-II to the scientific community: “Dapat yung R&D output, genderized!” – DOST Usec. for R&D, Dr. Guevara
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra highlighted that R&D outputs should be ‘genderized’, where both men and women can benefit from them.
“A gender lens will allow us to see the ways and processes from which gender issues and concerns stem. Not only the R&D community, but the entire Philippines Science Technology and Innovation landscape can be identified and addressed through our collaborative efforts.”
In line with this advocacy, the DOST Regional Office II (DOST-II) held a webinar on Integrating Gender Lens in Research and Development (R&D) Projects, last 12 October 2021 as a pre-event activity of its 2021 Regional Science and Technology Week.
With this year’s theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon”, DOST-II introduces gender awareness and sensitivity to address Gender and Development (GAD) issues in society. Moreover, it aimed to aid researchers in understanding the need to pursue gender sensitive and responsive R&D Projects.
“The main concern today is how the R&D community can adapt to the changes in the society as it becomes more gender-responsive. We need to understand that these concepts are more intertwined than what we assumed to be. In fact, they should be lodged together and must be considered an important variable when conducting societal researches to avoid bias and promote inclusivity,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, in his opening remarks.
Dr. Jhamie Tetz-Infante Mateo, Director – Gender Resource Research and Development Center, of Isabela State University and National GAD Resource Pool Member of the Philippine Commission on Women gave a comprehensive lecture. Her talk focused on the following: Legal Basis and Mandates; Gender Mainstreaming and the Data; Gender Disaggregated Data and Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG); and Project Development Cycle and HGDG to integrate gender lens in R&D Projects. She also included the topic on the importance of Program and Project Implementation, Management and Monitoring and Evaluation (PIMME) to measure the achievement of GAD or gender equality results.
Furthermore, she commended DOST-II’s initiative of starting to ‘genderize’ the DOST R&D Community and also for continuously creating opportunities, allowing both women and men researchers, experts and students, to meet and exchange inclusive innovation ideas towards Philippine development.
“Ito pong strategy at approach na ito ay isang napapanahong tugon sa hamon ng panahon.” DOST-II Assistant Regional Director-TOS and head of the GAD Unit of DOST-II, Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, highlighted the organization’s role in the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) that facilitates gender mainstreaming in research and development to prepare researchers for gender-based proposals.
On the other hand, Virginia G. Bilgera, Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Regional Director, also expressed her gratitude for another milestone achieved for the R&D Community.
“I hope, ito yung dapat magaya ng ibang region for them to be more gender-responsive. Ipapakita ng DOST Region II that this will really work so that the other regions will follow as well,” said Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, DOST Assistant Secretary for HRMMSSC, DOST-Wide GAD Focal Person.
The activity was participated by 340 researchers from the different academic institutions, research institutes, National Government Agencies and Regional Line Agencies nationwide.
Engr. Mark Gil Hizon and his team from the R&D Innovation Management Unit of DOST-II facilitated the participation of researchers from the Cagayan Valley region. (S&T Pen 02-Jericho Fronda)
