DOST IV-A Gender and Development Unit

01/06/2026

25/05/2026

Improved GAD Help Desk launched as a lactation facility for DOST-CALABARZON employees

The Department of Science and Technology–CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) officially launched the improved Gender and Development (GAD) Multipurpose Help Desk on May 25, 2026, at the DOST-CALABARZON Regional Office, retrofitted into a dedicated lactation facility for lactating employees and visitors.

The initiative supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 and Executive Order No. 51, also known as The Philippine Milk Code, which promotes and protects breastfeeding practices in workplaces by providing safe, healthful, and supportive environments for working mothers.

The facility aims to provide a safe, private, and accessible space for lactating mothers within the office, including employees and visiting clients who may need an area to express milk during working hours. The initiative also reflects the agency’s continuing commitment to promoting gender-responsive and family-friendly workplace policies and support mechanisms.

As a member of the E.O. 51 Task Force in CALABARZON, DOST-CALABARZON continues to support the enforcement and advocacy efforts of the Philippine Milk Code in the region. The launch of the improved facility also forms part of the agency’s preparation toward applying for recognition as a Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace under the accreditation program of the Department of Health (DOH).

Highlighting the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace, DOST-CALABARZON GAD Focal Person, Ms. Vera Karuna C. Sudaprasert, emphasized that the initiative strengthens the agency’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and employee welfare.

“Having a lactation facility in DOST-CALABARZON strengthens our commitment to gender mainstreaming and creating an inclusive agency for both our visitors and employees. It allows lactating parents to have a designated space where they can comfortably and safely perform reproductive tasks without sacrificing their productivity in the workplace,” Ms. Sudaprasert said.

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17/05/2026

Today, May 17th, marks the 22nd observance of the 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙖, 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙖, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙞𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙖 (𝙄𝘿𝘼𝙃𝙊𝘽𝙄𝙏). This year, the IDAHOBIT focuses on the theme: “𝘈𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺”, which serves as a reminder that truly democratic societies must be grounded in justice and freedom for all.

DOST CALABARZON continues to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community in challenging all forms of discrimination and prejudice, and in creating a safe space for others regardless of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) 🌈

Together, let us learn about the IDAHOBIT, why it matters, and what we can do to support our LGBTQIA+ friends towards justice, freedom, and empowerment! 🙌

15/05/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly decided on a resolution that May 15 of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This was to emphasize including the role of the family in the development process, raise awareness on issues relating to families, and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

This year’s celebration of the International Day of Families focuses on the theme: “Families, Inequalities, and Child Wellbeing”. It underscores how widening inequalities such as income insecurity, limited caregiving support, and unequal access to essential services shape family life and influence children’s futures. These inequalities put young children at greater risk of poverty, which also has a lasting effect on their health, education, and overall wellbeing. This year’s theme also calls for a stronger investment in integrated, family-oriented policies to reduce these inequalities and support child development.

To contribute to reducing inequalities that affect young children and families, DOST CALABARZON continues to extend livelihood opportunities through programs like SETUP and CEST. These programs provide MSMES and communities (and therefore, families) with grants, technological assistance, trainings, and consultations to build capacities and increase economic development. These programs ensure that families have access to sustainable means of income that also allow them greater access to resources to ensure that their children live healthy and comfortable lives.

When we strive for development, let us not forget to include families in the process. As the most basic unit of society, let us celebrate and support their role in creating a more prosperous, inclusive, sustainable nation 💗

10/05/2026

To every Nanay/Nay who braved the challenges that came with home life and raising your own,

To every Mommy/Mhie who gave answers to their children’s every “Why?”, and “How?”,

To every Mama/Ma who strived to set a good example to the younger generation,

And to every mother and mother-at-heart whose guidance and love made a lasting impact on somebody else’s growth,

𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘬𝘢𝘺𝘰 🥰 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 💝💐

16/04/2026

Happy 7 years of the enactment of the Safe Spaces Act! 🙌💜

Let us continue to create environments that are harassment-free and empowering for every person, regardless of gender 🌈

𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐨, 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐨!

On April 17, 2019, the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, recognizing that harassment can happen anywhere: on the streets, in workplaces, in public spaces, in schools, and even online.

As we approach its 7th year of enactment, the message remains clear: everyone deserves safety, dignity, and respect in all spaces.

This law not only defines what constitutes gender-based sexual harassment—it also affirms that these acts have consequences and that accountability is key to building safer communities.

At bilang Pilipinong may respeto, maging kabahagi tayo sa pagbuo ng komunidad kung saan ang lahat ay ligtas at walang harassed. Kaya sa pagkakaroon ng safe spaces, kasali tayo. Ano, tara?

07/04/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐙𝐎𝐍 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 💜

On March 26, 2026, DOST CALABARZON participated in the 2026 Regional Women’s Month Celebration at the New Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

Hosted by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the event brought together Gender and Development advocates from all over CALABARZON to highlight women’s contributions to development as well as promote gender equality and inclusive empowerment in the region.

Highlights of the event included a Keynote Message from Dr. Carlos P. Buasen, Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region IV-A, who spoke about the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity towards indigenous people–and especially women from IP communities– in pursuit of sustainable development. Attendees also participated in a Talk Show segment titled “Modern-Day Babaylans: Filipinas Who Lead with Purpose”, where Asst. Prof. Thea Maries P. Perez from the GAD Resource Pool of Cavite State University, and Human Rights and Custodial Officer PSSg Florenda C. Asotigue from the Bacoor Component City Police Station served as panelists. The talk show was followed by an Open Forum where attendees asked the panelists questions and exchanged insights regarding women empowerment and leadership.

Aside from these sessions, participants attended a Trade Fair where women-led business presented their products, and availed free services from varying government agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, PAG-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Commission on Population and Development. Free services included legal consultation, breast screening, visual inspection with acetic acid, HIV testing, counselling, and provision of contraceptives and hygiene kits.

Representing DOST CALABARZON were Ms. Thea Mary Joyce M. Diloy, Ms. Michelle L. Combate, and Ms. Jenica Krystel N. Balenia of DOST CAVITE; and Ms. Vera Karuna C. Sudaprasert, GAD Secretariat of DOST CALABARZON. Their participation is part of the agency’s continuous efforts in fostering gender equality and women's empowerment through science, technology, and innovation.

The 2026 Regional Women’s Month Celebration served as a powerful platform that highlighted women’s value in society and opened conversations on women empowerment, leadership, and gender equality in pursuit of a sustainable national development.

31/03/2026

𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨! 💪

Ms. Virgie is the owner of Amira’s Buco Tart House– a pasalubong spot for baked goods in Silang, Cavite. When we asked her, “What makes a woman a leader?”, she answered that a woman leader speaks up, lifts other women, never stops learning, and is resilient. Overall, she said that women leaders are strong in their own way.

We also want to hear from you! Comment below how you support women to become leaders, and tag a woman that inspires you! 🫵💜