The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), through the Gender and Development Program (GDP) and together with the National Network on Women in Fisheries in the Philippines, Inc. (WINFISH), organized a benchmarking activity for the members of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee of the Navotas City Government on 8 November 2023 at the UP Visayas, Iloilo City campus. Forty delegates participated in the activity.
Prof. Ysabella P. Cainglet, Director of the UPV GDP, presented the University’s gender-mainstreaming programs, activities, and projects. She also gave an overview of GDP’s extension networks, namely the UPV Balay Balay Child Minding Center (BBCMC), the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network - Western Visayas, and WINFISH.
Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro, UPV Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension and President of WINFISH, also discussed the different projects, researches, and initiatives of WINFISH to promote gender equality and empower women in the fisheries sector. WINFISH is a network of individuals and professionals interested in improving the status of women especially in the fisheries sector. For almost two decades now, it has continually tried to influence, empower, and recognize the works and lives of women in fisheries through gender-sensitive advocacy and initiatives. The UPV GDP provides secretariat work and other support services to WINFISH.
Dr. Rosario H. Asong, former GDP Director and one of the founding members of WINFISH, was also invited to join the benchmarking activity. She shared her experiences in research and advocacy work in gender and fisheries, and provided recommendations on how to further implement gender-mainstreaming activities in the local government.
The benchmarking activity served as a venue for the discussion of opportunities and challenges encountered in implementing GAD programs and interventions. It also opened doors for collaboration for more gender-equitable communities.
