THE Schools Division of Bohol through the leadership of Dr. Bianito A. Dagatan, CESO V and the coordinator Dr. Ma. Maya V. Tumalon, the Division Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator, conducted a planning conference on GAD programs, projects, and activities held on April 4-6 2022, at Bellevue Resort, Panglao, Bohol. The said conference was attended by 104 Technical Working Group (TWG) members of the existing various projects under GAD. The following projects were handled by equally competent proponents who have contributed greatly to the well-being of the teachers in the division.
These projects include Project MaRENS (Mentoring and Rendering Emphatic and Nurturing Services) with Ma. Maya V. Tumalon as the Proponent; Project CASS (Computer-Aided Assistance and Support) – Ronald Boniao; Project DERS (Dance Exercise through Religious Songs) – Lolito Boaquin; Project CARME (Creative Academicians Responsive to Mother Earth) – Ruel Ampo; Project PSiToC (Psychological Support in Times of Crisis) – Aida Sansan;
Project LeGenD (Leadership through Gender and Development in the Scouting Way) – Ma. Maya V. Tumalon; Project LLLAC (Live, Love, Lead Amidst Challenges) with three additional components:BANGAW (Bohol Association in Nurturing Gender Acceptance Worldwide) designed for SDO Bohol’s LGBTQI Community of which Ryan Balbaguio is the proponent; AloHA (Alliance of Happy and Able-bodied individuals) with proponent Joseph Selmaro intended for SDO personnel with physical disabilities and BANWA (Building Awareness on Nature and Wellness Activities) a newsletter covering SDO Bohol’s GAD-related programs and activities with Florenda Racaza as the proponent.
Dr. Bianito A. Dagatan CESO V, the Schools Division Superintendent emphasized in his speech that as a project leader, one must be responsible for spreading awareness, giving importance to mental and physical health and providing an output of the said projects. “You can delegate responsibility with equal authority but not accountability”, said Dr. Dagatan.
The GAD planning conference sought to equalize the status and condition of and relation between both genders by influencing the process and output of policymaking, planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring and evaluation so that SDO Bohol would deliberately address the gender issues and concerns affecting the full development of all the programs, projects and activities implemented in the division.
The conference was an avenue to showcase various outputs of the different projects. One of the highlights was the formal turn-over of the first-ever issue of BANWA Newsletter by Florenda Racaza, the Project Proponent, to Dr. Bianito A. Dagatan. The newsletter embodies significant gender and development related activities that uplift mental and spiritual aspects of the students, teachers, administrators, and non-teaching personnel.
The COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette have dramatically changed the lives of individuals across the nation and left many adults both feeling stressed, anxious, and who are struggling to cope with the pandemic. It also put the mental health of our school children at risk. However, amidst the adversities, SDO Bohol’s teaching and non-teaching personnel remain resilient. The existence of GAD programs, projects, and activities are instrumental in keeping one’s sanity intact and having a stable mental health. Belonging to a certain group whose members have positive outlook in life helps an individual connect with other people. Connection truly matters – you need human connection as much as you need food, water, and air for survival. More than ever, look out for people in your community that might need help. There are plenty of opportunities and ways to be of help – either personally or through online using different social media platforms. A simple gesture of extending your hand for help or sharing your sweet smile can go a long way to make someone’s day brighter.
Today and every day is the best time for you to impact the quality of life greatly and positively for someone, providing a lifeline to the external world by volunteering and doing good for others are proven to be the most significant factors in promoting wellbeing. It is imperative that everyone must provide necessary mental health support to one another – regardless of gender, religious belief, lifestyle, professions, financial status, and educational background. DepEd Bohol truly cares for all, hence the existence and implementation of GAD programs, projects, and activities. Be the better version of yourself every day and you will live life harmoniously. Participate and be part of the solution! You are GOD’s greatest weapon for positive change!
