The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Center, conducted a three‑day capacity-building workshop on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) from October 1 to 3, 2025, at the NIA Pantabangan Lake Resort Hotel.

Attended by representatives from offices and departments across the university, the training forms part of NEUST’s ongoing commitment to strengthening gender mainstreaming across all units—ensuring that programs and projects remain inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the university’s institutional development goals.

It featured in-depth discussions on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and provided a comprehensive orientation on the use of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) checklists for assessing the gender responsiveness of programs and proposals.

To reinforce practical application, participants presented attributed programs aligned with the GAD Plan, showcasing their capacity to integrate gender-responsive strategies within their respective units and departments.

These sessions were facilitated by Resource Speaker Vichel Rse E. Juguilon-Pangan, Independent GAD Consultant and Certified Member of the National GAD Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women, who provided insights on the use of GMEF and HGDG tools in evaluating and enhancing gender responsiveness in programs and activities.

In her message, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo emphasized that the university’s gender initiatives are anchored on empowerment, inclusivity, and respect.

“One of the goals in our GLOBAL that we really want to achieve is opportunities for human capital empowerment. This is one way to achieve that particular goal. We want to empower everyone—lahat tayo pantay-pantay,” Dr. Jugo said.

“This specific training is about gender and development. In NEUST, lahat kasali, kasama—regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. We embrace diversity as a community. Nakakatuwa, lahat ng kailangan natin malaman lalo na yung professional ethics, Anti-Bastos Law, Anti-Harassment—lahat iyon nakaakma sa programa ng GAD,” the President added.

Also giving their support were Atty. Bembol Castillo, Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance, and Dr. Marilou Pascual, Director of the Training Department, commended the GAD Center’s continuous initiatives in promoting a gender-sensitive and empowering environment within the university.

The training served as another step forward in strengthening NEUST’s commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and sustainable development, aligned with the university’s institutional goals under the NEUST GLOBAL framework.

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