Department of Education

Region IV-A CALABARZON

Division of Rizal
RIZAL NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Batingan, Binangonan, Rizal

NARRATIVE REPORT

GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

APRIL 7-9, 2019

Rizal National Science High School conducted its localized Gender and
Development Training on April 7-9, 2019 at Aguho Playa, Cagbalete Island, Mauban,
Quezon. The three-day training included GAD activities spearheaded by our
Principal, Mrs. Edna H. Villamayor and the School GAD Coordinator, Mrs. Leovigilda
G. Gutierrez. It was participated by the faculty members of Junior High School,
Senior High School, administrative staff and utility workers.

The training was divided into two parts, the seminar and the team building
proper. Various activities were prepared and participated to promote camaraderie
and to build strong relationship without bias amongst the members of the faculty,
administrative staff and utility workers. Equal opportunity between male and female
employees was manifested on the games and activities.

The day started with the assembly and registration of the participants at
RNSHS, then, travelled for three hours to reach the training location. After setting up
the venue and refreshments, the seminar proper was led by Mr. Leonard Cabaliw
with the topic “Gender Equality and Sensitivity among teachers, students and staff”.

The speaker
instructed the participants to
make three groups according
to their birth months. There
was a combination of male
and female in every group.
The first activity was a
debate between the genders
Male, Female and LGBT.
Each group was assigned a
gender wherein they need to
defend that they are better
than the other genders
depending on these
 situations: sports, leadership,
and who is much better in the
relationship. Everyone is ready
to defend the gender given to
them even if it not their own.

The speakers must start

with the phrase “I believe”. The
first round was about who is
better in the field of sports.
According to Ma’am Alma
Casas, she believed that the
women, as of now, are doing
well in sports. She mentioned
Hidilyn Diaz and Alyssa
Valdez as one of those who
are front liners and successful
in the field of sports. While, Sir
Arada believes that it is men
truly excelled in sports since
the top athletes known in the
world are men just like Manny
Pacquiao and other basketball
players. On the other hand,
Ms. Normal Cabael refuted the
statements of the two groups
by asking if they are sure that
those players are straight male or female. She said that our society now is more
open minded to instances that the players they are supporting are part of the LGBT
community, so there is no reason for them to hide who they are and who they want
to be. The discussion heated up as the topic jumped to which gender is most likely
the best leader and best in the relationship. Everyone has their own say in the given
issues.

As educators, we have been part of implanting the gender stereotypes in

social roles, capacity, and traits and characteristics. In this case, it was said that we
need to break barriers and it should start in our own classroom.

Mr. Leo cited instances wherein we dictate gender stereotypes in the

classroom. These stereotypes are the relatively fixed and overgeneralized attitudes
and behaviors that are considered normal and appropriate for a person in a
particular culture based on his or her biological sex. For example, in the instructional
materials, if we say teacher, automatically, the picture that you can see in the
textbooks or materials are women. When we talk about a farmer, then it is a man. If
we mention a beautician, then it is part of the LGBT. And sometimes, these
stereotypes take away the possibility to maximize the strength, skills and capabilities
of an individual. It can stifle individual expression and creativity, as well as hinder
personal and professional growth.

The speaker
mentioned ways to make
our classroom a gender
sensitive one: First, we
need to use gender-
inclusive language.
Second, we need to be
careful in choosing our
teaching and learning
materials. Third, create a
safe space wherein make
students feel that they are
accepted, provide a
culture of acceptance. And
lastly, if needed, talk about
the stereotypes and how can it be stopped with the help of the activities and
programs to be provided for the students.

After the talk, the participants have their chance to share their practices in the
classroom and to ask questions to the speaker. The discussion was meaningful and
productive for each and every one.

On the second day, morning,

the participants were able to enjoy the
scenic beauty and crystal waters of
Cagbalete Island as they went on
island hopping. It is surely seen that
the faculty and staff are comfortable
with each other’s company.
 The afternoon session
of the GAD training includes
team building activities
prepared by the speaker.
The participants were
divided again into three
groups. Each group was
tasked to create its name
and to prepare a cheer
related to it. The first group
named themselves as “Team
Pating”. While the second
group’s name is “Team
Dinosaur” and lastly, the
third group dubbed
themselves as the “Team
Bibe”. Everyone is in high
spirit and accepted the
challenge of our game
master.

Each game is a
not just a game
regarding gender but
also it aimed to test the
participant’s physical
strength. It also
demonstrated
cooperation among
members, techniques
and strength as a team
so as not to stumble or
fall down despite
hardships and
challenges.

To wrap up the
teambuilding part, Mrs.
Villamayor expressed
her gratitude to the
speaker and most specially, the faculty and staff of RNSHS.

In the evening, our principal, awarded prizes for the winners of the day’s activities.
 It is indeed a challenge for everyone to take steps towards a gender-friendly
environment, especially in our school. We need to take critical and specific actions
within the community itself to address the gender and development concerns. After
all, being committed in making a conducive learning environment is also one of our
goals to achieve quality education for every RiScian.

Prepared by:

Ms. Ma. Veronica Lee B. Makayan

Mentor, English Department

Noted:

Mrs. Leovigilda G. Gutierrez

GAD Coordinator, RNSHS

Mrs. Edna H. Villamayor

Principal III, RNSHS