By Heherson Valdez
The Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) has remained a steadfast advocate for gender equality throughout the year 2024, promoting policies and activities that empower women and integrate gender mainstreaming across its programs.
Here are the standout activities that have strengthened the institute’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive innovation:
1. Advocating Social Corporate Responsibility through Charity at Mary Mother of Mercy Home
The DOST-TAPI jumpstarted the year 2024 turning its commitments towards Social Corporate Responsibility as the institute’s Gender and Development (GAD) Unit in partnership with the institute’s Legal Unit (LU) continued its tradition of giving back through an annual charity event at the Mary Mother of Mercy Home for the Elderly and Abandoned Foundation in San Pedro, Laguna last January 9, 2024. This initiative provides much-needed support to abandoned elderly individuals who can no longer care for themselves. The Legal Unit delivered essential food and home supplies, including rice, vinegar, detergent, and more, ensuring the residents' daily needs were met. The initiative highlighted DOST-TAPI’s dedication to social responsibility and its role in helping the most vulnerable members of society.
2. Recognizing Women and Girls in Science through Empowerment and Innovation
As the world celebrated the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the institute amplified its commitment to recognizing women and girls in STI with an inspiring forum focused on promoting gender equality in science and technology. Held on February 28, 2024, at the DOST-TAPI AVR, the event featured impactful talks by Prof. Emervic Gargoles De Pedro, Ms. Mohliqo Rahimzoda, and Ms. May Hassan, covering topics from women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship to navigating intellectual property. The forum aimed to reinforce equality, inspire innovation, and recognize the global contributions of women in science. DOST-TAPI’s efforts to empower women and foster international partnerships highlight the importance of gender inclusivity in the scientific community.
3. Empowering Women Detainees Through Innovation: Serbisyo Para kay Juana
In celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month, the DOST-TAPI launched the "Serbisyo para kay Juana" project on March 22, 2024, at the Taguig City Jail Female Dormitory.
This initiative aims to empower women detainees through education and skill-building. The program includes the Invent School™ module on invention development and a livelihood workshop on Soap Making Technology. By offering these women practical skills, DOST-TAPI promotes social inclusion and gender equality, helping them gain income and self-reliance during and after their incarceration.
4. Promoting Inclusive Public Service Through the Launch of the Women’s Desk
A significant milestone for 2024 was the establishment of the Women’s Desk, a hybrid platform offering immediate support to women, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities. Staffed by a dedicated Women’s Desk Officer at the Public Assistance Office and supported by an online help desk, this initiative enhances equity in public service by providing essential information on legal rights, benefits, and government services.
5. Celebrating Women’s Contributions During National Women’s Month
In March, DOST-TAPI collaborated with the Filipino Women Inventors and Innovators Network, Inc. (FILWIN) to celebrate National Women’s Month. The event, supported by key agencies like IPOPHIL, FDA, and DTI, inspired Filipino women scientists and inventors to lead progress through innovation.
6. Building Gender-Responsive Policies through GAD Database and Gender Analysis Training
Participants of the GAD Database and Gender Analysis Training gained valuable tools to integrate gender-responsive strategies into policy and program development. This effort aligns with DOST-TAPI’s vision of inclusivity and strengthens its impact on the innovation ecosystem.
7. Empowering Gender Equality through GMEF Training
On October 09, 2024, DOST-TAPI hosted a training session on the Gender Mainstreaming and Evaluation Framework (GMEF), led by Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, Chief Administrative Officer of DOST-CAR. The training empowered Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) members and staff with tools to integrate gender-responsive practices into their work, aligning efforts with the Magna Carta of Women (MCW). This session fostered inclusivity within the organization and reinforced DOST-TAPI’s commitment to building a gender-equal environment in public service.
8. Championing Gender Equality in the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) marked another significant initiative, showcasing DOST-TAPI’s active role in raising awareness of gender-based violence.
Highlights included the MOVE Webinar on December 11, 2024, featuring Prof. King David J. Agreda, Assistant Professor II and Gender and Development Focal Point Person at the Cavite State University, Cavite City Campus, who discussed the role of men in supporting gender equality
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Photo courtesy: Barangay San Jose - Rodriguez, Rizal FB Page
The campaign also included a Free Legal Clinic held in partnership with the Rizal Local Government Unit, providing vital resources for individuals affected by violence. These activities embodied DOST-TAPI’s dedication to promoting a VAW-free community.
9. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Technology-Based Business Training
DOST-TAPI’s Technology-Based Business Training 2024 empowered women entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable insights from successful industry leaders. Speakers Engr. Eleanor Olegario of Lithos Manufacturing, Ms. Cristina Macaraig of Wirefield Philippines, Inc., and Engr. Bhai Nhuraisha Deploma of Erovoutika Electronics shared their experiences and encouraged aspiring women to pursue technology-driven ventures.
Continued Gender Mainstreaming in DOST-TAPI Programs
The Gender and Development Unit of DOST-TAPI remains steadfast in its mission to promote an effective and efficient innovation system by integrating gender equality principles across all programs. This commitment reflects the institute’s vision of being a gender-responsive partner contributing to national socio-economic growth by fostering a culture of innovation. Through continuous advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration with global networks, DOST-TAPI works to ensure that gender inclusivity is at the heart of its strategies. The 2024 milestones reflect DOST-TAPI’s unwavering dedication to gender mainstreaming, advancing its vision of a more equitable society where women and men thrive together in the innovation ecosystem.
**DOST-TAPI promotes Gender and Development and ensures Gender Mainstreaming in its Programs and Services. For more information, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and for media inquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. **
