Isabela State University and 502nd Infantry Brigade this morning (April 27) signed a memorandum of agreement on mainstreaming gender-based initiatives as solutions to curb violence against women and children in Cagayan Valley.
The initiative is part of the Gender Resource Research Development Center project funded by the Department of Science and Technology entitled Gender Based Violence in Region 02.
ISU will be providing academic resources and technical support services in the field of gender and development.
Atty. Romano P. Cammayo, VP for Admin and Finance Services of ISU, highlights the role of the government institutions to assure a healthy working environment especially for women. This is in recognition to the role of women in the society.
In his message, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, University President, expressed enthusiasm on how this partnership and cooperation can aid in efforts to achieve gender equality.
“Women must be empowered, not just by having equal opportunities at work, but also by assuring safer workplace”, said Dr. Aquino.
On the part of the 502nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Brigadier General Danilo A. Benavides, PA believes that the partnership on GAD initiative will enable the military to lever their competency in managing people’s organization, especially on communities under their Areas of Responsibility (AoR).
“We want to uplift the wellbeing of the communities to lessen infiltration of communist insurgency. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami that you took us as partners. This serves as platform to attain other sustainable development tools”, said BGen Benavidez.
With these, the initiative is said to enable local efforts responsive to Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), in addition to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and 17 (Partnerships).
ISU has recently been identified to lead the region in GAD initiatives as the Regional Development Council through Resolution no. 02-11 s. 2022 approves the creation of Regional Gender and Development Research and Learning Center to be housed at ISU-Echague Main Campus. (GZ/BJC/JF-UMIS-CMS)