Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech GFPS conducts online HGDG training
by Christine L. Valmonte (June 28, 2020)
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) conducted the “Online Training Workshop on the Use and Application of Harmonized Gender and Development (GAD) Guidelines to Program Development” last June 15-19.

The training workshop focused on the basic concepts of GAD, gender analysis, and application of the HGDG tools on PHilMech’s programs and projects. It aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of the participants on assessing gender responsiveness of projects and program and integrating gender perspectives in project cycle development.

“I would like to emphasize that gender analysis is a very important process in gender mainstreaming. This is the important skill na kailangan alam natin so that we are able to integrate gender perspective sa ginagawa natin,” said Ms. Jemelle Z. Milanes, an independent consultant from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

“In gender analysis, there are various tools na pwedeng gamitin to analyze the gender sensitivity of a program or project. Using HGDG tool to ensure that PPAs are gender mainstreamed. This is an important aspect knowing this tool will help the agency determine how much a program or project’s budget can be attributed to GAD,” Ms. Milanes added.

Moreover, the participants found the training workshop informative and they captured the importance of application of HGDG tools in the agency’s PPAs. They also appreciated the resource speaker for reviewing their outputs and sending them feedback individually.

Since majority of the participants were on a work-from-home scheme, the training was held using appropriate online platforms such as Google and Zoom. This was also to comply with the social distancing measures in consonance with the new normal.

Eighteen participants composed of project leaders and staff from Applied Communications Division (ACD), Bio-Process Engineering Division (BPED), Enterprise Development Division (EDD), Planning, Management, Information and Technology Division (PMITD), Socio-Economic and Policy Research Division (SEPRD), and Technology Management and Training Division (TMTD) attended the said training.

This training was the first batch conducted using online platforms to adjust to the current situation. More training will be conducted and spearheaded by the PHilMech GFPS or in collaboration with other Divisions/Units until all personnel are trained on the use of HGDG on project development.