UPLBFI set to implement gender-based project for AMIA beneficiaries in the Bicol region

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — The University of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (UPLBFI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office (RFO) 5 and DA-Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO), officially kicked-off its gender-based project titled “Integrating Gender Considerations into the Development of Projects for Vulnerable Sectors in Selected AMIA Villages in the Bicol Region.”

During the inception meeting, Director Alicia Ilaga of DA-CRAO emphasized the importance of implementing projects that are both gender-responsive and transformative to address time and labor issues, among others, that are specifically faced by women and other vulnerable sectors in the agriculture sector. Present also were Dr. Saturnina Halos and Mr. Mark Amor, DA-CRAO Technical Consultants, and Mr. Sandy Bobier of DA Region 5, who gave significant inputs and insights to improve the project implementation.

Mr. Jonathan Austria, University Research Associate of UPLBFI, discussed the project overview. According to him, the project aims to integrate gender considerations in the development of programs for selected AMIA Villages in Bicol and enhance the enabling environment for economic empowerment of women and other vulnerable sectors in the region. Specifically, it seeks to develop tailor-fitted interventions and gender-responsive projects for men and women farmer-fisherfolk, and provide capacity building programs for AMIA extension staff and beneficiaries.

The one (1) year project will be piloted in six (6) AMIA villages in the Bicol Region, namely Gigmoto, Catanduanes; Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon; Tiwi, Albay; Mandaon, Masbate; Capalonga, Camarines Norte; and Pamplona, Camarines Sur. It is envisioned to be scaled out to other AMIA villages in the country.

by JMAustria