USTP Claveria, UP Mindanao strengthen ties in GAD laboratory for AANR sector

The meeting was convened in connection with the DOST–PCAARRD–approved project entitled “Establishing a Gender and Development (GAD) Laboratory in Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) Sector,” led by Ms. Mitchiko Ariola-Lopez, Project Leader and Director of the Research and Grants Management Office of UP Mindanao. Ms. Lopez emphasized that the project is the first GAD laboratory in the AANR sector in the Philippines, making it a pioneering initiative that will serve as a research, training, and policy hub for gender mainstreaming in the country’s AANR systems.

According to Ms. Lopez, the project aims to establish and operationalize the GAD Laboratory as a repository of gender-related research outputs, strengthen gender-responsive AANR research and development through linkages, improve evaluation tools for GAD integration, and implement capacity-building activities to sustain progress in mainstreaming GAD in AANR. She further explained that the initiative supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting its relevance to inclusive and sustainable development.

Ms. Lopez also expressed gratitude to USTP–Claveria for its positive support and warm reception, especially acknowledging Chancellor Dr. Renato O. Arazo and Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Eric Randy R. Politud, who delivered the opening remarks. Chancellor Arazo delivered an inspirational message emphasizing the importance of inclusive, socially responsive research and the value of strong inter-university partnerships, reinforcing USTP–Claveria’s commitment to meaningful collaboration with UP Mindanao.