CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) - -The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)– Kalinga recently oriented entrepreneurs on Gender and Development (GAD) Principles at Grand Zion Garden Resort Hotel, Tabuk City
This event was attended by about 70 women and men belonging to various sectors such as micro small medium enterprises, associations, cooperatives, and students.
The forum entitled “Smarter and Gender-Responsive MSMEs” campaigns that growth must be inclusive, creating a setting where all Filipinos have equal opportunities and empowering them with the knowledge and abilities they need to fully participate in a dynamic and globally competitive economy.
It is aligned with the 2023 Women’s Month celebration with the theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”.
“Gender and Development (GAD) is not war of the sexes and that GAD recognizes the capacities of women and men in contributing to the attainment of development goals,” said Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Services and Regional GAD Focal Person Maria Rowena C. Madarang.
The MSME sector, she said, has the potential for generating jobs and income opportunities for women, hence, this is crucial towards nation building.
DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog, in her video message, shared that majority of the assisted customers of the agency are women-led enterprises especially under the food processing industry.
This is a very good indication that in CAR, women are key drivers of economic growth, she said.
“Kaya ti babae nga aramiden ti kaya ti lalaki, mas nakarkaru pay. (Women can also do the things men can do, they can even do more),” a male participant said expressing his support for women.
GAD is integrated in the programs, projects and activities being implemented by DOST-CAR and all its six provincial offices. With the battle cry, OneDOST4U, DOST is providing gender-responsive products and services for an inclusive development.
