The workshop forms part of the university’s strong commitment to its extension mission. During his opening remarks, Engr. Emir Lenard S.F. Sicangco, OUES Director, emphasized that “OUES continues to find ways to support extensionists.”
The event aimed to equip extension workers with the knowledge and skills to integrate gender sensitivity into community-based research (CBR), thereby making extension programs more responsive, inclusive, and effective in addressing the needs of communities.
Dr. Sunghee Nam, Emeritus Faculty of California State University, Channel Islands, and current US Peace Corps Volunteer in Batangas, was the keynote speaker. She shared important ideas about adding gender perspectives to research and extension to promote fair and equal development.
The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Niko Benjamin Jeroski, a full-time US Peace Corps volunteer assigned to OUES’ Volunteerism Management Department, with the support of fellow Peace Corps volunteer Mr. Ernie Arao. Participants engaged in interactive activities to deepen their understanding of gender issues in community research.
Dr. Rita E. Pulmano, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, graced the event and spoke about TSU's strong commitment to gender sensitivity. She said the university’s programs and policies aim to create an environment that respects and promotes gender equity, both on campus and in the communities it serves.
Mr. Joshua Jay Jetomo, executive assistant to Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the closing remarks.
He reiterated the university’s dedication to advancing socially responsive and inclusive extension services.
The workshop aligns with OUES’s goal to enhance community engagement through inclusive and equitable research. TSU continues to empower its extensionists in delivering programs that uplift and transform communities.
