ISUFST Strengthens Gender Equality Initiatives

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology held a two-day Gender and Development Agenda workshop on March 14-15, 2025, at Grand Xing Hotel to advance gender-responsive governance across its campuses.

Led by PCW-NGRP consultant Lorena Yunque, the workshop equipped the university’s Gender and Development Focal Point System with tools to strengthen gender mainstreaming efforts.

Key topics included GAD agenda components, strategic planning, gender analysis tools, and priority setting for gender-related issues.

The sessions underscored ISUFST’s commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive policies and programs.

In his message, University President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. emphasized the school’s dedication to integrating gender equality and inclusivity into all institutional initiatives.

“We at ISUFST recognize the critical role of gender-responsive governance in achieving institutional excellence,” Siason said.

“This orientation is a step toward reinforcing our commitment to gender mainstreaming and empowerment.”

The first day featured a comprehensive discussion on the GAD agenda’s strategic framework and formulation process, facilitated by Yunque.

Participants from ISUFST’s five campuses took part in workshops assessing the functionality of the GFPS and analyzing gender issues using the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework and Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines.

“Formulating a GAD agenda is not just about compliance—it is about making gender inclusion a core institutional priority,” Yunque said.

“By embedding gender-responsive frameworks into policies and programs, ISUFST can foster a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.”

The second day focused on reviewing gender mainstreaming milestones, updating GMEF results, and identifying priority gender issues.

GAD Director Dr. Lenirose B. Mondero outlined ISUFST’s strategic plan and ongoing gender initiatives.

“We have made significant progress in gender mainstreaming, but there is still much to do,” Mondero said.

“This workshop allows us to critically assess our achievements and refine our strategies to ensure that gender equality remains at the forefront of ISUFST’s institutional development.”

Participants worked collaboratively to develop the university’s GAD vision, mission, and goals, and to prioritize gender issues based on institutional mandates.

The workshop concluded with a presentation of findings and a roadmap for integrating gender-responsive measures into ISUFST’s programs and policies.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan M. Belga closed the session by reaffirming the university’s commitment to sustained GAD efforts.

“We are not just doing this to comply with policy requirements—we are fully committed to transforming ISUFST into a model of gender equality and inclusivity,” Belga said.

As ISUFST aligns its programs with the Sustainable Development Goals and national gender policies, it remains steadfast in building an academic environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. (Herman Lagon, Alma Betito, Dingras Balbona, and Warren John Oronan/PAMMCO)