QUEZON CITY — The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) conducted a two-day Gender and Development (GAD) Executive Briefing and Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) Training on 29-30 July 2026 at the ILS Conference Room, Mega One Building, Quezon City, as part of its efforts to strengthen gender-responsive policies, programs, and research and prepare for its first agency-wide GMEF assessment.

The activity brought together the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), members, and employees for discussions on GAD mandates, gender-responsive governance, inclusive organizational culture, and the integration of gender perspectives into labor policy research.

The GFPS Executive Committee, composed of the GFPS Chairperson and ILS Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo and OIC-Deputy Executive Director Miraluna S. Tacado with Division Chiefs, attended the GAD Executive Briefing, a course designed for the top management and decision-makers to build capacity for gender mainstreaming, which includes the basics of GAD mandates, GAD planning and budgeting, gender analysis, and performance-based management.

In her opening message, Executive Director Damo underscored the Institute's commitment to advancing gender equality through its research and policy work.

"At the Institute, we do not conduct research merely to generate knowledge; we do it to support the broader agenda of a gender-responsive workplace for both workers and employers. Through meaningful gender mainstreaming, we can help build a future where decent work, equal opportunities, and social justice are accessible to all,” she emphasized.

Resource speaker EnP. Jennifer Joy M. Dumaraos, a member of the National GAD Resource Pool and Planning Officer IV of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, led the capacity development sessions. EnP. Dumaraos likewise highlighted the importance of translating gender commitments into organizational practice.

"Malaki ang taya ng ILS sa kapakinabangan ng gender mainstreaming toward bridging policy and practice," she highlighted.

GFPS Technical Working Group for Programs, Partnerships, and External Linkages Chairperson Michelle Ann A. Ruiz thanked ILS management and employees for their continued support and active participation in advancing gender mainstreaming in the Institute.

“Moving forward, let us turn our commitments into meaningful action by keeping gender perspectives at the center of our policies, programs, and workplace practices. Through teamwork and accountability, we can help advance gender mainstreaming beyond compliance,” she underscored.

Participants learned about gender mainstreaming concepts and the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF), a tool for assessing an agency's progress in institutionalizing gender-responsive policies and practices to equip employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively conduct GMEF self-assessment and prepare the necessary documentary requirements.  

The training supports the Institute's preparations for its first agency-wide GMEF assessment and submission to the Philippine Commission on Women to strengthen gender-responsive policies, programs, and research initiatives within the organization.  

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