SOXAARRDEC Presents Feed Prime App at Cotabato FITS Coordination Meeting
October 22, 2026
USM Hosts MinSuPala-IRDC Training on Packaging, Labeling of Indigenous Products
October 22, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) held a two-day orientation on gender analysis tools and Gender and Development (GAD) planning on October 21–22 at the Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The activity brought together university officials, GAD focal persons, members of the GAD Technical Working Group, researchers, and the Administrative Council.
Kim Harold T. Peji, Chief GAD Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), served as resource speaker and discussed gender roles, stereotypes, biases, and the principles of gender-responsive policies and programs.
“Ang mga babae, kasama sa proseso ng pag-unlad,” Peji said, stressing that women should be part of the development process. He also explained that gender issues may affect women and men differently and should be considered when planning programs and delivering services.
The discussions covered Women in Development (WID), Women and Development (WAD), and Gender and Development (GAD), as well as gender mainstreaming and its role in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Peji also discussed Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Participants also examined how gender norms, stereotypes, and biases can influence everyday interactions and institutional practices. Discussions included university policies on dress codes and haircut requirements for male and female students and personnel, with participants looking at how these policies relate to GAD principles.
The orientation also introduced several gender analysis tools, including the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG), the Harvard Analytical Framework’s 24-hour activity profile, Caroline Moser’s Triple Roles Framework, and Sarah Longwe’s Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Framework. The tools were discussed in relation to the different roles, responsibilities, and access to resources of women and men.
Another session focused on the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Assessment Tool (GFPSAT), which is used to assess the functionality of an institution’s GAD Focal Point System. Participants were also introduced to the use of sex-disaggregated data in identifying gender issues and planning appropriate interventions.
In a message delivered by Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Leorence C. Tandog, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel reminded participants that GAD should go beyond compliance and the preparation of plans and reports.
He encouraged them to use the tools to look at their respective offices, identify needs that may have been overlooked, and develop GAD plans and activities based on the actual experiences of the people they serve. He also stressed the importance of listening, avoiding assumptions, being fair, and respecting people despite their differences.
“Hindi baleng hindi mo ako mahalin, pero huwag mo naman akong bastusin,” he said, expressing a principle deeply rooted in Filipino culture, where respect for one another remains important even when we do not share the same views or feelings.
The activity was organized by the USM Gender and Development Office, headed by Associate Professor Roselyn M. Clemen.
