by Crisdeniele H. Clemente

The Gender and Development Focal Point System of Mariano Marcos State University conducted benchmarking activities in four institutions in Region III and CAR on September 27 to 29.

Led by GFPS Chief Nataliza Llapitan, GAD college coordinators and staff visited Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Benguet State University (BSU), and the PhilRice office in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

Ms. Llapitan said the group is now exploring the establishment of a childminding center, as a result of the tour. The center is a space where career-oriented parents can safely leave their children during working hours. This gives them the advantage to work well for the university while also being devoted parents.

Aside from this, GFPS also aims to consolidate a database to monitor and analyze administrative and academic performance of personnel through a gendered lens.

“These shall improve our GAD activities in the university,” she hoped.

The MMSU team was accommodated by Ms. Arlene Pascual, BPSU GAD focal person and director for human rights education; Prof. Janet Saturno, CLSU GAD director; Dr. Diadem Gonzales-Esmero, PhilRice GAD focal person; and Ms. Estrellita Daclan, BSU GAD director. They all shared their experiences as GAD leaders and presented unique practices on gender analysis and development.

The group also explored the best practices on public affairs, research, and extension operations of the organizations they visited.
The MMSU GFPS continues to conduct activities that forward gender and development in the university. These include celebrating National Women`s Month, supporting the End Violence Against Women Campaign programs, and initiating novel activities. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)