To promote gender sensitivity among its stakeholders, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development in Central Visayas (DA-SAAD7) held a two-day Gender Sensitivity Training for 22 farmers’ associations in Bohol. The training was conducted in two batches, from June 17 – 20 and June 24 – 27, 2025.
The activity empowered SAAD beneficiaries by raising their awareness and understanding of gender roles, the difference between sex and gender, and the importance of equal participation, access to resources, and shared responsibilities between men and women in agriculture.
Topics discussed included basic Gender and Development (GAD) concepts; Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC); intersectionality; and common examples of gender bias.
Helen Labunog, a marketing staff member of the Tangcasan Norte Small Farmers’ Association (TASFA) and a mother of a child with special needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD – a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction), expressed her appreciation for the activity. She highlighted the importance of promoting awareness and acceptance, especially on issues related to persons with special needs.
She said, “Sa Gender Sensitivity Training, nalakbitan ang hisgutanan bahin sa mga tawo nga adunay espesyal nga panginahanglan ug kung unsa ang ilang mga katungod sa kalikupan ug pamilya. Para nako, angay gyud nato silang amumahon ug dawaton.”
(During the gender sensitivity training, there was a part where we talked about people with special needs and their rights in the community and family. For me, they should be nurtured and accepted.)
Helen Labunog shared that she brings her child to the SAAD communal garden to help teach life skills and promote independence. As a parent of a child with special needs, she hopes the training will encourage greater understanding and acceptance, which can ease the challenges faced by families like hers.
The sessions also included interactive workshops and group discussions, supported by relevant videos to help deepen the participants’ understanding of gender sensitivity.
Leoncio P. Datoy, President of TASFA, said they plan to review and amend their association’s by-laws during their next meeting to include gender-responsive policies, showing their commitment to gender sensitivity within the organization.
The Gender Sensitivity Training improved the awareness of SAAD beneficiaries on gender equality, inclusivity, and shared responsibilities in agriculture. It encouraged participants to apply gender-responsive practices, making their communities more inclusive and empowered.
SAAD is set to conduct another leg of the training in other provinces of Region 7, including Cebu, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental – from August to October.
