Salomague Elementary School invited the University of Northern Philippines to conduct a Gender and Development (GAD) Symposium and Skills Training for the school and the community on August 29, 2025, spearheaded by the University Extension Office headed by Dr. Lloyd Mata, in collaboration with the Master of Arts in Technology and Livelihood Education – Home Economics (MATLE-HE), Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd), and Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) programs.
The morning session featured a symposium on “Empowering Women Through Gender and Development (GAD) Initiatives” delivered by Dr. Victoria Arce, CTE faculty and National GAD Resource Pool Member.
Dr. Arce emphasized the role of GAD in promoting education, strengthening gender-sensitive policies, and supporting development at both school and community levels.
In the afternoon, a skills training on food preservation was held, with lessons on kimchi and embutido making by Dr. Jeanina Batin, Coordinator of Food Processing and Program Head of MATLE-HE, with the assistance of Dr. Ma. Rochelle Cabrales and Mr. Arthur Pascua, Core Faculty of the BTLEd and BTVTEd programs, and MATLE-HE students.
The event successfully combined gender awareness with livelihood skills development, empowering participants not only through meaningful discussions but also by providing opportunities for sustainable and practical applications in their homes and communities.
Article by Arthur Pascua, Photos by Mary Joy Soliven.
