14/09/2026
MEDA Project Joins Region XI Gender and Development Strategic Planning
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — September 10, 2026. The Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agrikultura (RIISA) Project, implemented by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in the Philippines, participated in the Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Strategic Planning for Region XI, held from September 8–10, 2026, at Panorama Summit Hotel, Km. 7 Tigatto Road, Davao City, Philippines.
The three-day activity provided a platform for regional stakeholders to strengthen coordination, identify strategic priorities, and reinforce collective commitments toward advancing gender equality and inclusive development in the Davao Region.
The strategic planning process is anchored on the regional vision of:
“A gender transformative and culturally inclusive Davao Region where evidence-based governance advances gender equality, empowers women and men, and drives collective action toward sustainable development.”
It is supported by a mission to champion gender equality and culturally inclusive governance through empowered leadership, transformative policies and programs, meaningful participation, and collaborative partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.
MEDA’s participation reflects continuing commitment to integrating gender equality and social inclusion into economic development, market systems, and institutional strengthening initiatives. Through RIISA project, MEDA works with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, enterprises, financial institutions, government agencies, and other market actors to promote more equitable participation, access to opportunities, and decision-making, particularly for women and other groups that may face barriers to economic participation.
The engagement also aligns strongly with the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) of Global Affairs Canada, which places gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the center of Canada’s international assistance. FIAP recognizes that sustainable development is strengthened when women and girls are able to participate meaningfully in economic, social, and political life and when institutions address systemic barriers, discrimination, and unequal access to resources and opportunities.
RIISA contributes to these objectives by supporting women’s economic empowerment, gender-responsive enterprises and financial services, inclusive governance, strengthened institutional capacities, and the integration of gender equality considerations into policies, programs, and market systems. These efforts are particularly relevant to FIAP’s emphasis on gender equality and empowerment, inclusive economic growth, and strengthening the capacity of institutions and communities to create lasting and transformative change.
By participating in the Regional GAD Strategic Planning, MEDA and the RIISA Project contribute project-level experience and lessons to broader regional efforts while strengthening partnerships with institutions working toward the same goal.
Through continued collaboration, evidence-based planning, and inclusive programming, MEDA and its partners aim to help advance a Davao Region where women and men can participate equitably, benefit from economic opportunities, and contribute to sustainable and resilient development.
About RIISA
The Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agrikultura (RIISA) Project is implemented by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) with support from the Government of Canada through Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada. The project promotes inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities in Mindanao by strengthening agricultural market systems, supporting women and men smallholder farmers, enterprises, cooperatives, financial institutions, and other market actors, while integrating gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. MEDA is an active member of RGADC XI since 2022.
