Isabela State University (ISU) formalized its partnership with the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the operationalization of the Regional Gender and Development–Research Learning Center (RGAD-RLC) on February 2, 2026 at the Alba Hall, ISU Echague Campus.
As a step toward strengthening gender-responsive research and development initiatives in the region, the MOA operationalizes the said learning center as created by virtue of the Joint Regional Development Council–Advisory Committee Resolution No. 02-11, series of 2022.
As the regional body mandated to promote and institutionalize gender mainstreaming in regional and local development planning, RDC2, through the RGADC, works to ensure that gender perspectives are integrated across development programs and policies. The RGADC is supported by key member-agencies, including the Regional Offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Chairperson, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as Co-Chairperson, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) as Secretariat, all of which actively contribute to the committee’s operations and the implementation of gender-responsive initiatives.
Under the agreement, ISU and the RGADC shall jointly formulate and implement resource mobilization and sustainability strategies, including partnership arrangements and resource-pooling mechanisms; strengthen and institutionalize regional partnerships and networks that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment; coordinate with relevant national government agencies to ensure alignment with national gender and development frameworks, policies, and standards; and promote policy advocacy and governance support by providing recommendations to RDC2 based on research findings and stakeholder consultations.
The ceremonial signing brought together key officials from both institutions, led by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) and Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera (Chairperson, RGADC), who is also the Regional Director of DOST Region 02. The partnership aims to establish the University as a hub for research, learning, and capacity-building activities that promote gender equality, inclusivity, and evidence-based policymaking.
In her message, Dr. Bilgera expressed her full support for the establishment of the Research Learning Center, noting that this initiative reflects a strong commitment to advance research, innovation, and collaborative learning.
“I know this is just the beginning of collaboration, and I know this will be a continued collaboration among the member institutions of RGADC,” she said.
On the other hand, Dr. Batang highlighted the value of partnerships in addressing gender concerns, noting that no single institution can effectively address such issues on its own. He explained that by pooling expertise, resources, and shared values, partner organizations are able to strengthen their capacity to conduct relevant research, advance gender mainstreaming efforts, and cultivate a culture that respects diversity and upholds human dignity.
“All of us are the heart of this initiative – your scholarship, creativity and dedication will ensure that the GAD Research Learning Center becomes not just a physical space but a living dynamic community of practice,” he added.
Through this collaboration, ISU and RGADC reaffirmed their commitment to advance gender equality, research excellence, and inclusive development in the region.
