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PCW certifies GAD training programs, welcomes new batch of GAD Resource Pool members




A first in its technical assistance strategies, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) signed partnership agreements with three (3) institutions now certified to provide Gender and Development (GAD) training programs. The Commission also welcomed 20 new members to its roster National GAD Resource Pool at the recently concluded 6th National GAD Resource Pool Assembly held in Manila on December 6-8, 2022.


The certification of GAD Training Programs and the National GAD Resource Pool form part of the Partnership Building in the Delivery of GAD Technical Assistance component of the National GAD Resource Program being implemented through PCW’s Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division.



Nine PCW-certified GAD Training Programs


The GAD Training Program Certification recognizes institutions that offer GAD training programs that conform to PCW standards which, among others, include GAD core messages that are accurate and updated based on current GAD-related issuances and the GAD capacity of their training providers. It is open to the public and private higher education institutions, government and non-government organizations with professional development institutes, and private organizations that are into human resources and training management services.


PCW Deputy Executive Director for Operations Kristine Balmes explains the rationale, background, and overview of the GAD Training Certification Program

A total of nine (9) courses made it to the first set of PCW-Certified GAD training programs which were issued certifications that are valid from January 2023 to December 2024. These are being offered by Miriam College – Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), FORA Strategic Communications Consultancy, Inc. (FORA Communications), and the University of Northern Philippines (UNP). The three institutions can deliver their respective PCW-certified GAD Training Program to requesting government agencies and other government entities, private institutions and individuals. Other benefits of PCW certification include the review of the institution’s GAD-related training modules, opportunities for sharing of good practices to strengthen GAD training capabilities, first hand access to GAD-related materials and tools, attendance to PCW-led advocacy campaigns and other activities, and monitoring support for the improvement of the GAD training programs.


Awarding of glass marker to Miriam College – Women and Gender Institute (WAGI)

Miriam College – WAGI’s specialized research and training center on women’s rights, gender equality and non-sexist learning, is now PCW-certified to offer trainings on (1) Gender-fair Education; (2) Gender Peace and Security; (3) Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting Training; (4) Gender Sexuality and Student/Youth Wellbeing, and (5) International Women’s Human Rights and Governance (IWHRG) Training Program.


Professor Aurora Javate-De Dios, Senior Program Director of WAGI, expressed her gratitude to PCW and shared the herstory of WAGI in conducting and continually improving the training.


“We were able to learn, and we were able to refine our seminars with the inputs of our participants,” she said, adding that their training is not only based on the materials they read but is a result of combining knowledge with activism.


FORA Communications is a strategic communications agency established in 2015 by practitioners with nearly twenty years of experience in public relations, media, and communications. They also got PCW’s certification to provide training on (1) Gender Sensitivity, (2) Gender Fair Communications, and (3) GAD Legal Mandates.


FORA Communications receives their glass marker for their certified GAD training program

Atty. Allen Liberato-Espino, FORA Communications President, believes that the certification enables them to continue what they are doing: “democratizing access to GAD training, so people who want to learn have the opportunity to do so.” She also thanked their partners, consultants, a roster of trainers, and participants.


Completing the list of PCW-certified training programs is the Gender Sensitivity Training Program of the UNP. This is being offered by the Center for Gender and Development, which serves as the organizational umbrella for the mainstreaming of gender and development in the plans, programs, and activities of the university.


The University of Northern Philippines is awarded with a glass marker showing their certification

UNP Center for GAD Director Victoria R. Arce accepted the certification as “inspiring yet challenging,” noting that this is a “great reminder that the task of attaining gender equality and women empowerment continues and that the society needs more empowered individuals to empower others.”


PCW Executive Director Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, commended the institutions for maintaining the quality and responsiveness of technical assistance that PCW provides to its stakeholders.


PCW Executive Director Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves congratulating institutions with certified GAD training programs and new NGRP members

“We hope that this pioneering initiative will inspire others to join the roster of training institutions offering certified GAD-capability building, training and technical assistance programs responsive to the needs of our government and LGU clients and stakeholders. With the signing of our partnership agreement, we are positive that the spirit of GAD will continuously be strengthened with the help of your training institutions. We thank you all for being catalysts for GAD who will enable further empowerment of all women and girls,” she shared.


Aside from the signing of the partnership agreements between PCW and each of the certified institutions, they were also awarded their respective glass markers and certificates bearing details of the certification.


Representatives Miriam College – Women and Gender Institute, FORA Strategic Communications Consultancy, Inc., and the University of Northern Philippines with the PCW Management Committee

Catalysts, movers, and shakers: NGRP Batch 8 members welcomed


Meanwhile 20 out of 71 individual applicants made it to Batch 8 of the National GAD Resource Pool, bringing up the total number of active members available to aid the Commission in the delivery of GAD technical assistance to 102.


ED Yuzon-Chaves expressed her high hopes for the newest addition to PCW’s GAD expert partners, calling on them to help keep the fire burning for GAD in their individual and collective capacities.


“In the same manner that you have not faltered or lost momentum in your quest to become valued members of the PCW GAD Resource Pool, I hope you will not depart from the advocacy and continue to be a catalyst to achieve gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE)… If we continue to work together, we can be stronger, and surely our impact will be bigger. Let us continue to be the movers and shakers for a fully gender-responsive Philippines,” ED Yuzon-Chaves said.


Members of the NGRP Batch 8 deliver their pledge of commitment at the Ceremonial Certification

NGRP Batch 8 includes the following:

  • Atty. Esmeralda Amora-Ladra, Director IV, Commission on Elections
  • Psyche Mae A. Asencio, Planning Officer III, Council for the Welfare of the Children
  • Melina C. Avila, Senior Agrarian Reform Program Officer, Department of Agrarian Reform – Davao Del Norte
  • Genesis Giselle T. Baseleres, University Research Associate II, University of the Philippines – Los Baños
  • Olivia R. Cababat, Campus GAD Coordinator, University of Rizal System
  • Elreen C. Delavin, Associate Professor II, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology
  • Nomer C. Esmero, Assistant Professor IV, Central Luzon State University
  • Naomi J. Estabillo, Chief Administrative Officer – HRDD, Cooperative Development Authority
  • Arnold M. Ferolino, GAD Coordinator and Safe Space Project Campus Coordinator, Western Mindanao State University
  • Anne Dominique D. Francisco, Public Relations Officer V, National Transmission Corporation
  • Wendy Joy M. Garma, Dean, College of Teacher Education, Cagayan State University – Gonzaga Campus
  • Diadem B. Gonzales-Esmero, Supervising Science Research, Philippine Rice Research Institute
  • Ronalyn V. Hufancia, Independent GAD Consultant
  • Raymond Jay L. Mazo, Independent GAD Consultant
  • Gina A. Opiniano, Chief Education Program Specialist, Philippine Tax Academy
  • Glenn E. Redecilla, GAD Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
  • Marjorie R. Rola, Independent GAD Consultant
  • Maria Enriquita Myrel Siason, Project Assistant III, Department of Science and Technology
  • Michael T. Solanoy, Administrative Officer IV, Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Aklan, and
  • Teresita A. Tabaog, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services, Department of Science and Technology.

Speaking on behalf of Batch 8, DOST ARD Teresita A. Tabaog expressed their steadfast commitment and acceptance of the challenge to catalyze changes through widening the reach of technical assistance and capacity-building on GAD.


Since its establishment in 2014, the NGR Pool has become a thriving community of more than 100 GAD practitioners who actively assisted the PCW in providing GAD-related technical assistance to national government agencies, local government units, and other requesting parties. Their performance as GAD training providers, along with other commitments they must fulfill under their partnership agreement with the PCW, are regularly assessed to ensure conformance to PCW’s GAD technical assistance standards.