Narrative Report on the 3-Day GAD Focal Point System and its
Faculty Members Seminar
The Gender and Development (GAD) approach focuses on the socially
constructed differences between men and women and the need to challenge
existing gender roles and relations. To address today’s gender issues, Gender and
Development orientation and seminar is mandated in all school institution.
Apelo Cruz Elementary School conducted GAD Focal Point System Seminar
with the theme “Capacity Building and Seminar-Workshop for GAD Focal Point
System and Its Faculty Members to Strengthen a Gender Responsive School
Community”. Dr. Tirso V. Gali, actively supported this undertakings and made an
inspirational message to welcome all teacher participants.
The first speaker of the day was Mr. Joven E. Dicen, Project Manager of
Gems Heart Outreach Development Incorporated. The first module talks about
gender matters. Mr. Jove Dicen differentiate Sex and Gender. According to him, Sex
is biologically determined while Gender is humans’ personal preference, all humans,
have right to privacy. Family, peers, social media and society highly affects gender
and development of a person. Because of these factors, gender becomes socially
defined. The speaker gave a clearer view about LGBTQIA or Lesbian Gay Bisexual
Transgender Queer Intersex Asexual and SOGIE or Social Orientation Gender
Identity Expression. In his topic on Social Construction of Gender, he highlighted that
Gender definitions are learned, fluid and diverse, they are not permanent, change
over time and vary across cultures. Gender can be transformed towards equality and
women’s empowerment. Gender definitions maybe based on stereotypes. With
regards to Gender Division of Labor, Reproductive Work means women’s roles are
often assigned to the home which is considered “private” while Productive Work
pertains to men’s roles are assigned not only to the private but also the public
sphere. The second module of Mr. Joven Dicen’s talks about Gender Stereotyping
and Gender Gaps. Gender as a stratifier leads to unequal access of males and
females to opportunities, income, wealth, and privilege with males enjoying greater
access than females. This has been proved statistically. On the last part of his
discussion, he gave an overview about Gender Sensitivity and Awareness.
On the second day seminar, Mrs. Ma. Teresa A. Palen made a recap
on the first day’s topic. Teacher participants showed expertise in answering
questions related to the previous topic. Mrs. Daisy M. Gonatise, GAD Focal Point
System talked about GAD Plan and Budget Accomplishment Report. She showed
how planning and budgeting is done. She particularly discussed how to accomplish
GAD Budget Plan Form and budget allocation. GAD budget is 5% of school’s
MOOE. Our school’s MOOE is Php 75,950.00, GAD allocation is 45,570.00 or Php
3,798.00 monthly. This budget allocation is solely for GAD seminars and projects
intended for the welfare of the school community.
On the last day seminar, Mrs. Erlinda B. Adami made a recap activity
per grade. Ma. Teresa A. Palen presented GAD Plan and Budget F.Y 2016-2018
and F.Y 2017-2018. She highlighted the difference of two successive fiscal year.
Mrs. Daisy M, Gonatise discussed possible gender issues that can be used in
accomplishing GAD Budget Plan. As part of the application process, each grade
level were given a task to accomplish GAD Budget Plan Form.
This three day seminar helped equipped the teachers’ knowledge of
Gender and Development to Strengthen a Gender Responsive School Community of
Apelo Cruz Elementary School.
