DOrSU GAD Team Showcases Gender Mainstreaming Study at DepEd XI Research Congress
The partnership between the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) and the Department of Education Schools Division of the City of Mati (DepEd Mati) was highlighted anew as DOrSU researchers Dr. Jeralyn N. Hemillan, Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, and Asst. Prof. Jhonnel P. Villegas from DOrSU’s Center for Gender and Development presented their study, “Gender Mainstreaming in Basic Education of the City of Mati, Southern Mindanao, Philippines,” during the 2025 Interdivision Research Congress of DepEd Region XI held on November 12, 2025. The presentation was part of the plenary session, which gathered teachers, researchers, and administrators from across Davao Region to showcase studies that inform education programs and policies.
The study explores how gender and development principles are integrated into the operations, policies, and learning environments of public schools in the City of Mati. It provides a clearer understanding of how schools promote gender equity and inclusivity in teaching, leadership, and governance, in alignment with national mandates. The research contributes to ongoing efforts of DOrSU and DepEd Mati to strengthen gender-responsive practices, support teacher development, and advance inclusive education in the region.
The research also forms part of DOrSU’s longstanding partnership with DepEd Mati, anchored on a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Division and the University’s Center for Gender and Development. Through this collaboration, DOrSU provides expertise and technical assistance under the GAD Learning Academy, an extension program that delivers a series of seminars and workshops for GAD focal persons, teachers, school heads, and parents.
Since its implementation, the GAD Learning Academy has trained over 200 education personnel in gender sensitivity, planning, and budgeting; developed school-level GAD Plans and Budgets; and facilitated Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions to sustain implementation. It has also led to the publication and presentation of research outputs in national and international conferences.
DepEd officials lauded DOrSU’s involvement in the Research Congress, citing the value of the University’s technical guidance in strengthening local implementation of gender-responsive education. The findings from the study are expected to inform the Division’s next cycle of training and policy formulation.
The DOrSU-DepEd collaboration demonstrates how research and extension programs can work together to address gender disparities in education. By linking university expertise with classroom realities, both institutions continue to advance a shared goal of fostering equitable, inclusive, and gender-responsive learning environments.
