DOST Davao Region - Gender and Development

In observance of Women’s Month, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao Region reinforced its Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives through the simultaneous conduct of a Free Eye Check-up in partnership with AD Escala Optical Clinic, alongside an onsite Human Papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic Acid (HPV-DNA) Self-Test in collaboration with the Davao City Health Office on March 26, 2026, at the DOST Davao Region Conference Room. The activities aimed to provide accessible, science-based health services to personnel, particularly women, including comprehensive eye assessments and a modern, less invasive screening method for cervical cancer prevention targeting women aged 30 to 49.
These initiatives highlight DOST Davao Region’s strong commitment to advancing gender-responsive and inclusive health programs under its GAD framework. By promoting early detection through HPV-DNA self-testing and ensuring access to essential eye care services, the agency continues to champion the well-being, empowerment, and productivity of its workforce—demonstrating its dedication to making science-driven solutions more accessible and impactful for all.

This Women’s Month, DOST Davao Region proudly celebrates the women leading our Provinces and City. Anchored on the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”, we honor their leadership in bringing Science, Technology, and Innovation closer to communities. 💜

Anchored on the advocacy of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), this week (every 4th Week of March) reminds us that every girl under 18 deserves protection from abuse, equal opportunities, and empowerment to thrive. It is a vital part of the National Women’s Month Celebration, advancing our collective responsibility to uphold the rights of girls and ensure they grow in safe, nurturing, and inclusive communities.

The PCW emphasizes that advancing gender equality begins with safeguarding the girl child by dismantling harmful stereotypes, promoting education, and ensuring access to health, safety, and leadership opportunities.

Let us stand together to:

🌟Protect girls from all forms of violence and exploitation;
🌟Guarantee fair treatment and equal chances in school, at home, and in society; and
🌟Empower them to dream, lead, and inspire change.

The Department of Science and Technology – Davao Region proudly joins the nation in celebrating the Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of Girl Child Week. We stand for a future where young girls are protected from harm, have access to education, science, and innovation, and where their voices matter in building stronger communities.
Let us work together to protect her rights, support her dreams, and empower her future. 👧✨

LOOK: In observance of International Women’s Day, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao Region actively participated in the International Women’s Day Walk Parade alongside the community of Davao City. The activity served as a symbol of the community’s unity in advancing women’s empowerment and promoting gender equality.
Through its program and initiatives in Science, Technology, and Innovation, DOST Davao Region remains committed to supporting women as leaders, innovators, and partners in building resilient and progressive communities.
Happy 116th International Women's Day! 💜

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 🟣🟠

The Department of Science and Technology – Davao Region proudly announces the official constitution of its Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) Chapter, in line with the Philippine Commission on Women’s advocacy to eliminate all forms of Violence Against Women (VAW).

Led by ARD-REDID Dr. Nathan Ray A. Alim (Chairperson), together with Property and Supply Officer Mr. Alvin P. Justo (Vice-Chairperson), the MOVE Davao Region Chapter is composed of dedicated officers and members across DOST Davao Region Divisions and Provincial S&T Offices.

𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀:
● Advocate zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and children.
● Support GAD initiatives by working with the DOST Davao Region GAD Focal Point System.
● Conduct awareness-raising activities such as learning sessions, forums, and campaigns.
● Promote gender-sensitive workplace policies and respectful environments.
● Assist in reporting and referral mechanisms for VAW-related concerns.
● Participate in national and inter-agency MOVE activities spearheaded by PCW and partners.

On March 3, 2026, DOST Davao Region joined the 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵‑𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀, officiated by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., with a nationwide MOVE message from USec. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST‑wide MOVE President. This milestone strengthens the collective call for men to be champions of safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces.

This initiative forms part of the DOST Women’s Month Kick‑Off Celebration 2026, with the empowering theme: "𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘴!"

𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. 💜

DOST Davao Region

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗫𝗜 (𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗗𝗖 𝗫𝗜) under the leadership of Chairperson, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗖. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗣𝗙𝗧, 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗢 𝗜𝗜𝗜, extends this message of solidarity to all RGADC XI members agencies as we celebrate the 2026 National Women’s Month.

This observance honors women’s leadership across all sectors and calls us to deliberately integrate gender perspectives into our policies, programs, and practices.

Happy Women's Month!

It’s Wednesday and we wear purple! 💜

This Women’s Month, the DOST Davao Region community wears purple every Wednesday in support of the campaign “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.”
The color purple represents justice and dignity, and reminds us that advancing gender equality requires the participation of Women and Everyone (WE). Through Science, Technology, and Innovation, we continue to support inclusive opportunities and empower communities across the Davao Region.

Are you wearing purple today? Share your photos in the comments and join the movement.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡.

DOST Davao Region joins the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration under the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and the call to “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”

Throughout March, activities across the Davao Region will highlight women’s leadership in science, technology, and innovation.
Join us as we advance gender equality in S&T.

The 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗫𝗜 (𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗗𝗖 𝗫𝗜) opened the year with a productive 1st Quarter Meeting held on February 27, 2026, strengthening partnerships and advancing inclusive development in Region XI.

✨ Highlights of the meeting:

🟣Accepted the new members from Civil Society Organizations: Moro Against Racial Injustice Alliance Movement, Inc. (MARIAM), Talikala, Inc., Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights, Inc., and Parents Mobilization Action Group (PMAG) – representing marginalized and underrepresented sectors.

🟣Confirmed the Private Sector Representatives and, in accordance with NEDA-PCW JMC 2016-01, elected the Foundation of Agrarian Reform Cooperatives in Mindanao (FARMCOOP) as the Committee’s Co-Chairperson, with Ms. Amelita B. Atillo serving as its official representative.

🟣Finalized the activity design for the upcoming RGADC XI Strategic Planning, which will establish the six-year Regional GAD Agenda as the overarching policy framework guiding and anchoring all regional and local programs and projects toward inclusive and equitable development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

🟣Reviewed and approved for endorsement to the RDC the RGADC XI Work Plan for CY 2026, detailing the priority activities and corresponding outputs for the year.

🟣Discussed the planned activities for the National Women’s Month Celebration this March, which will be conducted as a joint initiative of RGADC XI and the City Government of Davao.

With these milestones, RGADC XI reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that voices from all sectors are heard and that gender equality and inclusivity remain at the heart of regional development efforts.

DOST Davao Region

𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧

As part of the 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, DOST Davao Region personnel engaged in Friday physical wellness activities designed to promote fitness, balance, and overall well-being in the workplace.

These regular sessions support our 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗚𝗔𝗗) initiatives by fostering environment where well-being is prioritized, and where both women and men are empowered to thrive physically, mentally, and socially.