The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA continues to strengthen the capacity of its staff in promoting peace and inclusive development through a three-day Gender and Development (GAD) Training on Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding for staff of the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) Program, held on March 9–13, 2026 in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro.

A total of 35 participants attended the activity, including staff from the LGU-Led Livelihood Program, Peace and Development Program, and members of the Municipal Coordinating Team. The training aimed to deepen participants’ knowledge on conflict-sensitive approaches and enhance their ability to integrate gender perspectives into program implementation, particularly in communities affected by conflict and other vulnerabilities.

In her opening message, Princess T. Vagilidad, Assistant Regional Director for Administration of DSWD MIMAROPA, emphasized the importance of peacebuilding in public service. She said, “In our work as public servants and development workers, it is clear that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is understanding the diverse experiences of people in the community, respecting their dignity, and ensuring that no sector is left behind.”             

The sessions were facilitated by resource persons from the Peace and Development Group of DSWD Central Office, including Norilyn Quesada-Rivera, Planning Officer IV; Jessie Mar Chavez, PDBBM NPMO-PAMANA Section Head; and Roselyn V. Ecay, Project Development Officer III of the Program Support Operations Planning Section. Through lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions, participants were oriented on the various situations and challenges faced by beneficiaries in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

Overall, the training strengthened participants’ understanding of gender mainstreaming, particularly in integrating gender perspectives into planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation of Gender and Development (GAD) plans and programs related to peacebuilding and community development. The discussions also highlighted the importance of gender equality in creating inclusive programs responsive to the needs of women and other marginalized sectors.

Through initiatives like this, DSWD MIMAROPA continues to advance the advocacy for gender equality and peace in communities while enhancing the capacity of its staff to deliver more inclusive, equitable, and responsive social welfare services to residents across the region.