DOST Gender and Development Unit

💜✨ 𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒐!✨💜

DOST through its Gender and Development Unit (GADU), successfully conducted the 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 – 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀-𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 on August 12–14, 2026, at the 5F Cattleya Hall, D’Hotel and Suites, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

The three-day capacity-building brought together participants from DOST offices and attached agencies in the Visayas and Mindanao Clusters to strengthen their understanding and practical application of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG). The workshop is designed to capacitate DOST personnel to move beyond compliance toward programs and projects that create meaningful impact. The event formed part of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗫 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 (𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗪) led by Regional Director 𝗠𝘀. 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗦. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿 who warmly welcomed the training participants in Zamboanga.

The training featured insightful sessions and workshops facilitated by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗲 𝗕. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻, Project Senior Technical Specialist and member of the PCW-NGRP Batch 1, and 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝘆𝗿𝗲𝗹 𝗠. 𝗦𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻, GAD Coordinator of DOST Region VII and member of PCW-NGRP Batch 8. Their discussions and hands-on activities guided participants in applying the HGDG to actual project development and design. Through discussions and hands-on workshops, participants explored how to integrate GAD principles into project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

The training provided participants opportunities to share their outputs, insights, and key takeaways, culminating in a Ways Forward session and the awarding of certificates. 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, In Charge of GADU and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, encouraged participants to strengthen their GAD mainstreaming efforts through attribution of gender-responsive programs offered by the Department and “Go for Gold” in the next GADtimpala Awards. The successful conduct of the training was made possible through her leadership and support, whose continued commitment to advancing gender mainstreaming across the DOST System strengthens the capacity of offices and attached agencies to develop more inclusive and impactful programs and projects more than mere statutory compliance. Together, DOST continues its commitment to Go for the Gold —not only in recognition, but in providing solutions and opening opportunities for all through a gender-responsive science, technology, and innovation or Agham na Ramdam. 💜✨

💜✨ 𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 ✨💜

DOST, through its Gender and Development Unit (GADU), successfully conducted the 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 on 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟮–𝟮𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. The two-day capacity-building activity brought together representatives from DOST's attached agencies to strengthen their understanding and application of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs and projects.

The training commenced on Day 1 at the 3F Teknolohiya Conference Room, DOST Main Building, with welcome remarks from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, Officer-in-Charge of the DOST Gender and Development Unit, and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person. In her message, she emphasized that gender mainstreaming should go beyond compliance and become an integral part of developing responsive, inclusive, and impactful government programs. The day's sessions began with an overview of the objectives and background of the HGDG, followed by an in-depth discussion by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗲 𝗕. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻, Project Senior Technical Specialist and member of the Philippine Commission on Women National GAD Resource Pool (PCW-NGRP) Batch 1, on integrating GAD elements throughout the project development cycle. This was followed by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝗼-𝗝𝗲𝗲 𝗧. 𝗢𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗼 of DOST-PCAARRD, who shared their agency’s journey on the use of the HGDG highlighting practical applications of the tool in both research and development (R&D) and non-R&D programs and projects. The session was concluded with an engaging open forum and sharing of insights and key takeaways.

On Day 2, held at the 3F Agham Conference Room, participants took a more hands-on approach through a series of workshops facilitated by Ms. Singson. Sessions focused on project design and identification, GAD-responsive project management and implementation, as well as project monitoring and evaluation using the PIMME checklist.

Representatives from each attached agency shared their key insights, reflections, and takeaways from the two-day training, highlighting how the 10 core elements of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines can be effectively integrated into their respective programs and projects. The activity ended with 𝗗𝗶𝗿. 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗣. 𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮, Director of the Financial and Management Service of the Central Office awarding certificates to the participants.

The two-day training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills to effectively integrate gender perspectives into their respective programs and projects. More importantly, it reinforced DOST's commitment to ensuring that gender mainstreaming is not merely a compliance requirement, but a meaningful strategy for delivering equitable, inclusive, and sustainable science, technology, and innovation initiatives that create real impact for every Juan and Juana.

The success of this two-day training was made possible through the steadfast leadership and unwavering support of Dr. Diana L. Ignacio through her commitment to advancing gender mainstreaming across the DOST System. This initiative empowered attached agencies to move beyond compliance and embrace the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines as a strategic gender analysis tool for creating more inclusive, gender-responsive, and impactful science, technology, and innovation programs and projects resulting to increase number of attributed programs in the Department. 💜✨

Gender equality is not just a policy goal—it's part of the national budget.

Under the Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy, government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, and constitutional bodies are required to allocate at least 5% of their annual budget for gender-responsive programs and initiatives.

Originally introduced through the 1995 General Appropriations Act as the "Women's Budget," the policy was later strengthened by the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) to further uphold women's rights and equal opportunities for all.

2026 Issue No. 2

💜✨ 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝑶𝑺𝑻✨💜

Last June 24, 2026, the DOST Central Office through its Gender and Development Unit (GADU), successfully conducted the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗚𝗦𝗧) at the 4F Assembly Hall, DOST Main Building, Bicutan, Taguig City. The activity was organized primarily for newly hired employees and personnel who have not yet attended a Gender Sensitivity Training, with the aim of strengthening their understanding of gender and development concepts and fostering a safe, inclusive, respectful, and gender-responsive workplace.

The program commenced with an energetic tone hosted by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼. This was then followed by opening remarks from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, who emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity in creating a safe and equitable work environment. She also encouraged employees to actively support and participate in GAD initiatives, expressing her aspiration for DOST to achieve the Gold award in the next GADtimpala Awards through strengthened gender mainstreaming efforts and a collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment within the department.

Participants gained valuable insights during the session on the Basic Concepts on Gender and Development (GAD) facilitated by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗲 𝗕. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻, a member of the Philippine Commission on Women National Resource Gender Pool (NRGP) Batch 1. To encourage active participation and reflection, attendees were grouped by table and tasked to identify perceived traits, characteristics, and roles of men and women. The interactive activity sparked meaningful discussions on gender stereotypes and perceptions, with participants receiving candies as tokens for their participation.

The training also featured a discussion on Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act by 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗢. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼, Attorney V of the Legal Division, who provided an overview of the law and underscored the shared responsibility of maintaining safe, respectful, and harassment-free spaces in workplaces and communities. The discussion was further enriched by timely and relevant examples that helped participants better understand the practical application of the Safe Spaces Act otherwise known as the Bawal Bastos Law in everyday situations, both in the workplace and in public spaces.

To make the session more engaging and relatable, she incorporated a brief audience participation activity wherein participants were presented with various scenarios involving potential acts of sexual harassment and were invited to determine whether the suspect could be held liable under the law.

The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates and a photo opportunity. Through the initiative and leadership of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, DOST continues to strengthen gender awareness among its employees and uphold its commitment to promoting equality, respect, and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond.

💜𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚!💜

Happy Father's Day to all fathers and father figures in DOST who lead with love, compassion, and integrity, nurturing strong families and communities. We celebrate fathers who embrace shared caregiving, respect and promote gender equality, and empower children to pursue their dreams regardless of gender. Thank you for being role models of inclusion, responsibility, and positive change as we work together toward a more equitable, inclusive, and caring society.

🌸𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁!💜

Today, we honor and celebrate all mothers whose love, strength, wisdom, and sacrifices continue to inspire families and communities every day. Thank you for nurturing with compassion and leading with grace.

📖 “𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕; 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝑶𝑹𝑫 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅.” — Proverbs 31:30

May all mothers feel appreciated, loved, and celebrated today and always. ✨

🎓✨ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐯ing 𝐔𝐩 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ✨🎓

DOST proudly celebrates the graduation of the DOST Day Care Center (DDCC) learners who have successfully completed the 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗗) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 for School Year 2025–2026. The ceremony was held on April 8, 2026, at the DOST-PTRI Tela Gallery, marking a meaningful milestone in the children’s early learning journey.

The program began with a 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹of DOST officials, DDCC children, and their parents, followed by a heartfelt doxology led by the DDCC children and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Inspiring opening remarks were delivered by 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗣. 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲-𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗿, Director of the Administrative and Legal Service, setting the tone for a celebration of growth and achievement. The audience was then delighted by a lively dance presentation from the DDCC children, showcasing their confidence and potential.

A meaningful short talk from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds and supporting early childhood development. Adding to the heartfelt program, graduate 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔. 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 performed the song “I Am but a Small Voice,” followed by an inspiring teacher’s message from 𝗠𝗿𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗘. 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻, who expressed pride in the children’s progress. The children then performed their moving-up song, “Ready to Go!”, symbolizing their readiness for the next stage of their educational journey.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of certificates, where each child proudly walked on stage with their parents to receive their certificates—marking their achievements and growth throughout the year. The program concluded with a heartfelt closing message from 𝗠𝗿𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗥. 𝗖𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮, Parents-Teacher Association President, and their proud teacher, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗲 𝗔. 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗱𝗮. Then, a joyful photo opportunity to capture this memorable milestone.

This meaningful celebration would not have been possible without the unwavering support and leadership of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, whose dedication continues to foster a nurturing and empowering environment for the children of the DOST community. 💜✨

Congratulations, graduates! 🌟 Keep dreaming, learning, and shining bright!

#𝑮𝑨𝑫𝑻𝒐𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘 💜✨(𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 6)💡🔬
We asked prominent DOST personalities on what does it mean to “𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀!” in today’s world of science and innovation.

For DOST’s 𝗠𝗮. 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗨. 𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮, Assistant Scientist, National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), to lead like the Babaylans means grounding leadership in wisdom, integrity, and service—bridging science and society while ensuring that innovation remains safe, ethical, and responsive to the needs of people and the environment. It is about leading with evidence and empathy, standing firm in one’s principles even in the face of complex and controversial issues, and recognizing that Filipina leadership is not new, but continuously evolving and shaping the future.

𝙈𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙬𝙖 𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙖𝙣, 𝙢𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙠𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙞𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤!

Tag: DOST Philippines

💜𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 ✨
In celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month, the Department of Science and Technology – Central Office (DOST-CO) conducted its outreach program activity titled “𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗶 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧” on March 26, 2026, at the Don Pedro Reyes Avenue, Victoria Homes Subdivision, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

In partnership with 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗸𝗮𝘂𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗸𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗮 (𝗦𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗧), DOST extended support, compassion, and solidarity through the donation of essential items such as diapers, detergent, dishwashing liquid, food, vegetables, drinks, and cash assistance—bringing comfort and care to the elderly residents of the home. The foundation also conducted a meaningful orientation for first-time visitors, deepening awareness and understanding of the lives and needs of the elderly community.

The activity was warmly hosted by 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗲 𝗕. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻 of the Gender and Development Unit, who also filled the venue with a heartfelt serenade of ‘Goodness of God’ for the elderly residents, followed by a song cover from 𝗘𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗼 of ALS-General Services Division. Afterwards, a lively Zumba session to ‘Tayo’y Magsayawan’ took place, fostering connection, happiness, and shared celebration.

Numerous inspiring messages were delivered by 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗚. 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮 of the ALS-Personnel Division,𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗖. 𝗧𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻, the President of SIKAT, 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗚. 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 of ALS-General Services Division, emphasizing the importance of empathy, service, and honoring the dignity of every woman.

In appreciation of DOST-CO’s generosity and wholehearted support, a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by the Mother Elisabetta Longhi Foundation, symbolizing a shared commitment to care for and uplift women, especially those in vulnerable sectors.

Through this initiative led by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, DOST reaffirms its dedication to fostering inclusive, compassionate, and gender-responsive communities, where every woman is valued, honored, and empowered. 💜✨

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully held the 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦: 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, a Philippine side event of the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW70), earlier today, March 18, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The forum opened with Welcome Remarks from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs of DOST, followed by a Keynote Message from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗨. 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗺, 𝗝𝗿., Secretary of DOST, who emphasized the vital role of science and innovation in shaping inclusive and responsive governance. A Message of Support was also delivered by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗡𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦. 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿, Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women, reaffirming the country’s commitment to advancing gender equality through collaborative and multi-sectoral efforts.

Distinguished speakers then shared global and local perspectives on leveraging STI for justice. 𝗠𝘀. 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲𝗻 of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) discussed the importance of strengthening gender-responsive and rights-based legal technologies, highlighting ethical governance, risks in digital systems, human rights-based approaches, and the need for accountability through oversight mechanisms and corporate responsibility.

Meanwhile, 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗷𝗼-𝗞𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗻 delivered a comprehensive discussion on closing the gender digital divide to promote inclusive and accessible justice systems. She underscored why digital access is essential in ensuring that justice is within reach, particularly for marginalized sectors, and examined how gaps in technology access continue to hinder women’s ability to fully participate in legal processes. She highlighted the role of the justice sector, including ongoing initiatives of the Philippine Supreme Court to digitize services and improve access to justice.

In her presentation, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔. 𝗗𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗮, an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology highlighted the role of forensic DNA analysis and research in handling sensitive cases such as sexual assault, particularly those involving minors. She also emphasized the importance of proposed DNA-related legislation and called on forensic scientists across sectors to remain grounded in objectivity, excellence, and social responsibility—recognizing that behind every scientific endeavor are real lives seeking justice and truth.

The event concluded with an engaging open forum, followed by the awarding of certificates to speakers and participants. Words of Acknowledgement were delivered by 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗡𝗶ñ𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗛. 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), and Closing Remarks were given by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗔. 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼𝗴, Regional Director of DOST Region I. The forum served as a meaningful platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing DOST’s commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation in building a more gender-responsive, inclusive, and equitable justice system for all.

This milestone event was made possible through the strong collaboration of the DOST Central Office Gender and Development Unit (GADU), DOST Region I, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) under the leadership of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼. Beyond commemoration, the forum stood as a reaffirmation of a shared commitment to empower women and girls, advance gender equality, and harness science, technology, and innovation in building a more gender-responsive and accessible justice system for all. 💜✨