The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), in partnership with the De La Salle University (DLSU) J. Robredo Institute of Governance, officially starts the workshop titled “Shaping Inclusive Futures: An Action Plan for ISUFST’s SDG Policy Center” this morning, December 20, at Damires Hills Tierra Verde Leisure Farm, Janiuay, Iloilo. The event, set for December 26 to 28, 2024, marks the deepening of a pivotal initiative to localize Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, focusing on gender equality and empowering women and children.
This event gathers select participants from ISUFST and DLSU to collaborate on crafting an inclusive and evidence-based framework for addressing gender and child-focused issues. The workshop serves as a key step in DLSU and ISUFST’s plan to hold a Policy Summit this March 2025 and establish a policy center dedicated to creating sustainable and equitable development pathways at the local level.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., CESO VI underscored the workshop’s significance in achieving meaningful progress for vulnerable sectors. “This event reflects our collective commitment to driving inclusive development and empowering women and children through localized and sustainable policies,” Dr. Siason remarked.
The day began with a presentation by Dr. Francisco Magno, who provided the rationale behind the initiative, highlighting the critical need for collaborative action to address gaps in gender equality and child protection policies. The presentation set the tone for the following discussions, emphasizing the importance of bridging global SDG frameworks with the realities of local governance.
Prof. Eddie Nuque is also set to facilitate a workshop on “Empowering Action: Developing Training and Activities for Effective Planning.” This session focuses on equipping participants with tools and methodologies to translate policy ideas into actionable programs. Prof. Nuque is expected to emphasize the importance of contextualized training approaches and strategic performance management systems, encouraging participants to leverage community-specific insights to create impactful and sustainable initiatives. His collaborative and interactive approach hopes to provide participants with hands-on strategies for capacity-building and operational planning.
The discussions will continue under the facilitation of Prof. Ian Jayson Hecita, who will guide participants through “Action Plan Roadmap for Equity: Envisioning a Policy Center for Women and Children.” Prof. Hecita’s session will delve into the nuances of creating an inclusive policy framework, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and stakeholder involvement. His facilitation hopes to encourage the group to map out strategic priorities for the proposed policy center, ensuring its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The three-day event will conclude with the policy center’s strategic direction, laying the groundwork for the subsequent sessions focused on capacity-building, planning, and monitoring mechanisms. Participants are expected to invest in the initiative, recognizing its potential to improve local governance and policy-making.
The next two days will focus on action planning, evaluation, and output presentations to refine the SDG Policy Center’s framework. Expert insights from Dr. Leonora Angeles of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Fulbright Scholar Juliene Porciuncula of the North Carolina State University (UCSU) will also enrich the discussions. Together, participants and facilitators aim to create a clear, actionable roadmap to bring meaningful change to local communities.
This initiative, Dr. Siason said, “demonstrates ISUFST’s leadership in fostering sustainable and inclusive development, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for change in the region.” The workshop’s outcomes are expected to drive local efforts in advancing gender equality and empowering communities, aligning with the broader objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. (Photos by Warren John Oronan/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
