CLSU RESEARCHERS GET BEST PAPER AND POSTER AWARDS IN THE 3RD NATIONAL GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CONGRESS

Central Luzon State University GAD researchers topped in all categories during the 3rd National Gender and Development Research Congress with the theme “Gender-Transformative Research and Development towards COVID-19 Resilient Philippines,” held on November 18 - 19, 2021 via Zoom Conference and live streamed at the CLSU Gender and Development Office Official Facebook Page. Dr. Baby Jean VC. Jose, faculty member from the College of Arts and Social Sciences, bagged Best Research Paper for her study, “Ang D.A.N.A.S ng Panagkuripot: Marangyang “Padas Iti Biag”Ng Mga Ilokanang OFW ng Isabela Ng/Sa Singapore,” and 3rd Best Poster for her entry, “Ako, Si Inang At Si Apong”: Pagsipat Sa Tatlong Henerasyon ng Babaeng Magsasaka/Manananim sa Isabela,” with her co-author Dr. Julievic Palting from Philippine Normal University - North Luzon. She was also awarded as the Best in Oral Presentation for both research and poster categories. Dr. Argel B. Masanda got the Best Development Paper for his entry, “Transcending Sexual Violence Against Gay Men in the Philippines: Benchmark for a Gender-Affirmative Counseling Approach,” while Mr. Darwin G. Dela Cruz nailed the Best Poster for “Empowering Men and Women of Kankanaey Community in Special Purpose Rice Production,” together with his team Paulina J. Alvaran, Leah SM. Dela Cruz, Jomar S. Garabiles, Nestor D. Pagaduan, and Dan Charlie Joy C. Pangilinan. Other winners are Ms. Christine A. Luzon from Mindoro State University as 2nd Best Poster for “Gender and Development Implementation in Mindoro State University: An Evaluation, and Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV from Philippine Rice Research Institute as Best in Oral Presentation in Development Category. Dr. Edgar A. Orden, CLSU president, graced the opening of the event and gave his welcome message to the participants. Inviting others to join the initiatives, he quipped “Encourage collaborations and heighten efforts to generate new knowledge and strategies in gender mainstreaming”. He also mentioned that the National GAD Research Congress is a recognized platform for all GAD advocates and researchers to present R&D contributions under the New Normal. Further, Dr. Maria Teresita M. Semana, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Director IV, Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III was the invited keynote speaker. In her speech, she encouraged GAD advocates and researchers to fill-in the gender data gap through research especially during this time of pandemic. “Kahit na may pandemya, tuloy pa din tayo sa pagpadyak, kahit sa Research,” she said. She likewise shared that gender-related studies are now included in the CHED Regional Research Priorities. Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Vice President for Research and Extension, challenged the participants not to let the pandemic stop them from performing their duties and roles in the society, during his closing remarks in the opening program. “Let us practice gender equality not just in the workplace but in our everyday lives”, Dr. Vera Cruz finally noted. Meanwhile, Dr. Gregorio J. Rodis, university president of the Bataan Peninsula State University and chair of the CLAARRDEC Regional R&D Coordinating Committee delivered his message during the closing program of the two-day congress. “This two-day undertaking is indeed a testament on how much we contribute to gender-responsive development,” Dr. Rodis remarked. There were 11 entries in poster presentation while there were five for both research and development categories that qualified in the virtual presentation. The congress sets 85% cut off to qualify and win in all categories.