The Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) spearheaded a two-day extension activity on October 27–28, 2025, at Sulvec Integrated School in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, empowering participants through gender awareness and economic empowerment initiatives.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Peregrino Cac, Principal of Sulvec Integrated School, underscored the vital role of educators in shaping the values of the youth, highlighting the importance of integrating gender sensitivity and development in their formative learning experiences.
On the first day, teaching and non-teaching staff of Sulvec Integrated School took part in two engaging learning sessions. The opening session, facilitated by Ms. Glenny Angelica Barrientos, UNP Guidance Counselor and member of the UNP GAD Resource Pool, offered a comprehensive review of GAD concepts and principles. The discussion highlighted the vital role of gender sensitivity in fostering inclusive education and advancing community development.
The second learning session was facilitated by Atty. Katrynn Louise Eder, Officer-in-Charge of the CGAD, who discussed key policy imperatives on gender and development. Participants took part in an interactive workshop that encouraged them to identify pressing gender issues and craft strategies to promote inclusivity and equality at home, in school, and in their communities.
On the second day, the activity shifted to a more practical focus with a meat processing training led by Prof. Jeanina Batin. The hands-on session on embotido, longganisa, and tocino-making accentuated the importance of women’s economic empowerment by equipping participants with livelihood skills that could open doors to sustainable income opportunities.
The two-day program concluded with a meaningful closing ceremony marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Northern Philippines and Sulvec Integrated School, solidifying their partnership in advancing future Gender and Development initiatives. The ceremonial signing gathered key representatives including Dr. Cac, Atty. Eder, Prof. Batin, Coordinator for Food Processing at the University Extension Office representing UEO Director Dr. Lloyd Mata, and Atty. Christian Casildo, CGAD Coordinator for Training, Extension, and Advocacy.
This collaboration represents a major stride toward strengthening gender-responsive programs and deepening community empowerment efforts in Narvacan. Through the integration of gender and development (GAD) principles into its academic and community engagements, Sulvec Integrated School takes on a more proactive role in shaping socially aware and inclusive learners. The initiative underscores the school’s commitment to transform education into a dynamic force for social change—where classrooms become spaces for dialogue, empowerment, and the promotion of gender equality. Ultimately, this partnership highlights how education can drive meaningful progress toward building equitable and resilient communities.
Article by Katrynn Louise Eder.
