Words and Photos by Frederick D. Almeida, CAPSU Public Information Office

Capiz State University (CAPSU) further strengthened its commitment to gender-responsive governance as the three-day training-workshop on the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) and the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Assessment Tool (GFast) entered its second day at Hotel Alunsina, Brgy. Banica, Roxas City.

University President Dr. Efren L. Linan attended the session, underscoring the administration’s continued support for integrating gender perspectives into university operations.

The day opened with a recap of Day 1 activities delivered by Dr. Aizel C. Coroz, GAD Chairperson of the Tapaz Satellite College. The participants then proceeded with the analysis and assessment of their assigned projects.

Mr. Kim Harold T. Peji, resource speaker from the Philippine Commission for Women (PCW), provided feedback on each group’s presentation. He also offered technical inputs on the operationalization of HGDG elements, guiding participants in translating initial gender analysis into concrete inclusion in the GAD Plan and Budget.

The afternoon transition shifted focus toward compliance and institutional assessment. Mr. Kris Joven M. Medalla from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) detailed the relevant memoranda from both the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the PCW.

A key highlight of the session was the introduction of the GFast system. Mr. Medalla explained the core functions of the GAD Focal Point System, including the rating scales used to measure institutional functionality. Participants were then grouped for a hands-on workshop on applying the GFast assessment tool.

The training-workshop, moderated by Dr. Marien A. Laureto, GAD Chairperson of Pontevedra Campus, will conclude on April 8. The final day will feature presentations of the Day 2 workshop outputs, followed by a dedicated session to train participants in mainstreaming identified gender issues into the GAD Plan and Budget.