Isabela State University (ISU) Angadanan Campus conducted a comprehensive two-day Gender Sensitivity Training for newly integrated faculty and non-teaching personnel on March 13-14, 2025. The training, conducted at the campus’ Multipurpose Hall, aimed to deepen understanding and practical application of gender sensitivity principles within the University.

The first day of the training began with a welcome remark from Dr. Warlito D. Antonio, highlighting the importance of empowering GAD focal persons. Dr. Jhamie Tetz Infante-Mateo served as the event’s resource person who distributed training manuals followed by a lecture dissecting the historical and cultural roots of gender biases in Filipino society. She emphasized the critical distinction between equity and equality, positioning equity as the pathway to achieving equality.

The training covered essential concepts like SOGIESC and intersectionality, promoting inclusivity and acknowledging diverse experiences. Participants also explored how societal roles can limit potential. The day featured in-depth discussions on sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and gender inequity, illustrated with relevant examples. A substantial portion of the first day was dedicated to analyzing legal documents, including the Revised Penal Code and the Family Code of the Philippines. Participants, working in groups, identified biases and stereotypes, leading to significant discussions on relevant issues.

The second day commenced with a discussion on gender role socialization. Participants then presented concept maps summarizing the recent day, showing their grasp of the material. The discussions of the participants extended beyond the agenda, covering social institutions that perpetuate gender biases, and producing action-oriented outputs for HR and management.

Participants also engaged in creating learning plans and conducting a teaching simulation, receiving constructive critiques on how to comprehensively mainstream gender in the different fields of discipline.

The training concluded with discussions on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and a workshop on developing research proposals using the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) checklist. Dr. Mateo provided suggestions and demonstrations on how to properly pattern research proposals to the HGDG.