Cagayan State University is hosting the Regional Seminar-Training on Gender Research organized by the Regional Gender and Development Committee-Region II (RGAD Committee-II) through its Regional Gender and Development–Research & Learning Center (RGAD-RLC) on September 9–10, 2026, at the Claude Andrews Convention Center, CSU Andrews Campus.

The two-day activity brings together 160 faculty members, researchers, government partners, and Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons from across Region II to strengthen their capacity to design and conduct gender-responsive research.

The seminar-training seeks to promote the integration of gender perspectives throughout the research process, enabling participants to identify disparities, understand the experiences of women and marginalized groups, and generate evidence that can support inclusive policies and programs.

It likewise supports the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) by advancing gender-sensitive training and capacity building, while strengthening the institutionalization of gender-responsive research that contributes both to academic discourse and evidence-based policymaking.

In his welcome message, CSU Officer-in-Charge University President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez emphasized CSU’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange and evidence-based research that empowers communities and contributes to inclusive regional development.

“CSU’s commitment goes far beyond conferring degrees; our core mandate is anchored on Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production for societal transformation,” Ibañez said.

The first day featured a keynote address by Ms. Sigrid Jan Sibug, Strategic Planning and Programme Analyst of UN Women Philippines, along with four learning sessions focusing on key dimensions of gender-responsive research.

Mr. Kim Harold T. Peji, Chief GAD Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women, discussed “From Gender Gaps to Policy Action: The Magna Carta of Women as a Guide for Research toward Inclusive Development.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Cecilia M. Lazaro, OIC-Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights, led the session on Legal Foundations of Gender Research.

Dr. Emma D. Aspiras, member of the RGADC Regional Pool of GAD Resource Persons and University GAD Director of Quirino State University, tackled Gender Concepts and Frameworks in Research.

The session on Research Design, Methodology, and Emerging Frontiers was facilitated by Dr. Mary Grace O. Gumpal, Director of the Isabela State University Gender Resource Research and Development Center and RGAD-RLC.

The first day culminated in a workshop on Developing a Research Question and a Research Working Title, where participants began translating the concepts and frameworks discussed into potential research directions.

The seminar-training continues tomorrow, September 10, with sessions on Data Collection and Analysis for Gender Research, Translating Research into Policy and Advocacy, Writing Gender Research in Journal-Ready IMRAD Format, and A Practical Guide to Publishing Gender-Responsive Research in Reputable Journals.

The second day will feature Prof. King David J. Agreda, member of the National GAD Resource Pool and Assistant Professor of Cavite State University; Dr. Florentina S. Dumlao, CSU University Technical Consultant; Dr. Jonar I. Yago, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training of Nueva Vizcaya State University; and Dr. Gilbert C. Magulod Jr., Director of CSU’s Knowledge and Technology Management Office.

Participants will likewise undertake a workshop on drafting gender research proposals, followed by the presentation of draft proposals before a panel of evaluators.

The activity will culminate in a commitment-signing ceremony among the participants, signifying their shared commitment to advancing gender-responsive research and translating evidence into meaningful policy and action.