USM Nakiisa sa Pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Katutubong Pilipino
October 12, 2026
Faculty researchers from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) are looking at ways to apply gender analysis in their research and extension projects after completing a five-day training in Davao City on October 5–9, 2026.
The training, titled “Integrating Gender in Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Research and Development: From Gender Analysis to Gender-Responsive Project Design and Management,” was organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), through its Socio-Economics Research Division and Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit.
For Dr. Romiel John P. Basan of USM’s Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC), one important takeaway was realizing that researchers may not always be applying gender analysis tools correctly.
“Through this training, masasabi mo na mali pala ’yong pagsagot namin sa HGDG checklist,” Dr. Basan said.
He said the training gave him a better understanding of how gender considerations should be incorporated into socioeconomic research. SERDAC also plans to bring similar learning opportunities to USM to help researchers and extensionists apply the tools in developing their projects.
The training covered gender analysis frameworks, the collection and use of sex-disaggregated data, gender indicators, and the assessment of gender responsiveness in project design and implementation. Participants also examined how gender considerations apply to AANR value chains, where differences in roles, access to resources, and participation can affect the benefits people receive from development initiatives.
These considerations matter because research and development projects may affect people differently. Looking at these differences can help researchers identify gaps, set more appropriate objectives, and develop methods and indicators that account for the needs of their intended beneficiaries.
Basan also raised the possibility of working with the USM Gender and Development Office to share the learning with other members of the university community and support efforts to assess gender mainstreaming at USM.
Joining Basan in the training were Associate Prof. Analyn Gonzales, Assistant Prof. Glen Demillo, Prof. Joan Sadoral, and Associate Prof. Bernadith Borja.
The training was facilitated by gender and research specialists from academic institutions, including Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero, an independent GAD consultant; Dr. Melanie P. Tolentino of Central Luzon State University; Dr. Loma E. Sister, a univ of the University of the Philippines Los Baños; Assistant Professor King David J. Agreda of Cavite State University; Assistant Professor Lei A. Pangilinan-Jamolin of UP Los Baños; and Mitchiko A. Lopez, of UP Mindanao.
The program required participants to develop or enhance an AANR project concept note or proposal, with the goal of producing a gender-responsive project that incorporates gender analysis into its rationale, objectives, methodology, and indicators.
For USM, the next step is to bring these lessons into actual research and extension work, where a better understanding of gender can help researchers develop projects that respond more effectively to the people and communities they serve.
