The DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) continues to advocate for gender responsiveness through the establishment of its Gender and Development (GAD) Office. The GAD Office was launched last 11 July 2024 in celebration of the Institute’s 67th Anniversary.
The creation of the GAD office supports a safe work environment where the employees will feel included, valued and respected. The office will be used as a meeting room where documents for submission to the DOST-GAD Unit, Philippine Commission on Women, and Commission on Audit will be prepared.
It can also be used for consultations with researchers seeking assistance about their programs, activities and projects. GAD-related flyers, reports, video presentations have been produced for the employees, forest-based clients and communities.
DOST-FPRDI officials and employees attend the blessing and launching of the GAD Office.
DOST-FPRDI researchers and UP Open University staff hold their meeting at the GAD Office.
GAD Office’s clinic and breastfeeding room
The GAD Office also has a breastfeeding room and a clinic for employees with health conditions like high blood pressure, dizziness and other ailments. The Institute’s health officer will be on call to attend to the employees’ health issues.
DOST-FPRDI’s GAD Focal Point System (GFPS), headed by OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon, through its GAD-Technical Working Group (TWG), spearheaded this project.
In the coming years, DOST-FPRDI envisions its GAD Office as an information hub for researchers in crafting their gender-sensitive proposals. It will be continuously improved based on the gender roles and needs of DOST-FPRDI staff and its clients. (Julius T. Pelegrina & Arlene G. Torres, 22 August 2024)
