DOST Gender and Development Unit

🎓✨ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐯ing 𝐔𝐩 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ✨🎓

DOST proudly celebrates the graduation of the DOST Day Care Center (DDCC) learners who have successfully completed the 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗗) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 for School Year 2025–2026. The ceremony was held on April 8, 2026, at the DOST-PTRI Tela Gallery, marking a meaningful milestone in the children’s early learning journey.

The program began with a 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹of DOST officials, DDCC children, and their parents, followed by a heartfelt doxology led by the DDCC children and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Inspiring opening remarks were delivered by 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗣. 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲-𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗿, Director of the Administrative and Legal Service, setting the tone for a celebration of growth and achievement. The audience was then delighted by a lively dance presentation from the DDCC children, showcasing their confidence and potential.

A meaningful short talk from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds and supporting early childhood development. Adding to the heartfelt program, graduate 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔. 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 performed the song “I Am but a Small Voice,” followed by an inspiring teacher’s message from 𝗠𝗿𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗘. 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻, who expressed pride in the children’s progress. The children then performed their moving-up song, “Ready to Go!”, symbolizing their readiness for the next stage of their educational journey.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of certificates, where each child proudly walked on stage with their parents to receive their certificates—marking their achievements and growth throughout the year. The program concluded with a heartfelt closing message from 𝗠𝗿𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗥. 𝗖𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮, Parents-Teacher Association President, and their proud teacher, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗲 𝗔. 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗱𝗮. Then, a joyful photo opportunity to capture this memorable milestone.

This meaningful celebration would not have been possible without the unwavering support and leadership of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, whose dedication continues to foster a nurturing and empowering environment for the children of the DOST community. 💜✨

Congratulations, graduates! 🌟 Keep dreaming, learning, and shining bright!

#𝑮𝑨𝑫𝑻𝒐𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘 💜✨(𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 6)💡🔬
We asked prominent DOST personalities on what does it mean to “𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀!” in today’s world of science and innovation.

For DOST’s 𝗠𝗮. 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗨. 𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮, Assistant Scientist, National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), to lead like the Babaylans means grounding leadership in wisdom, integrity, and service—bridging science and society while ensuring that innovation remains safe, ethical, and responsive to the needs of people and the environment. It is about leading with evidence and empathy, standing firm in one’s principles even in the face of complex and controversial issues, and recognizing that Filipina leadership is not new, but continuously evolving and shaping the future.

𝙈𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙬𝙖 𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙖𝙣, 𝙢𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙠𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙞𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤!

Tag: DOST Philippines

💜𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 ✨
In celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month, the Department of Science and Technology – Central Office (DOST-CO) conducted its outreach program activity titled “𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗶 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧” on March 26, 2026, at the Don Pedro Reyes Avenue, Victoria Homes Subdivision, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

In partnership with 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗸𝗮𝘂𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗸𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗮 (𝗦𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗧), DOST extended support, compassion, and solidarity through the donation of essential items such as diapers, detergent, dishwashing liquid, food, vegetables, drinks, and cash assistance—bringing comfort and care to the elderly residents of the home. The foundation also conducted a meaningful orientation for first-time visitors, deepening awareness and understanding of the lives and needs of the elderly community.

The activity was warmly hosted by 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗲 𝗕. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻 of the Gender and Development Unit, who also filled the venue with a heartfelt serenade of ‘Goodness of God’ for the elderly residents, followed by a song cover from 𝗘𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗼 of ALS-General Services Division. Afterwards, a lively Zumba session to ‘Tayo’y Magsayawan’ took place, fostering connection, happiness, and shared celebration.

Numerous inspiring messages were delivered by 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗚. 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮 of the ALS-Personnel Division,𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗖. 𝗧𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻, the President of SIKAT, 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗚. 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 of ALS-General Services Division, emphasizing the importance of empathy, service, and honoring the dignity of every woman.

In appreciation of DOST-CO’s generosity and wholehearted support, a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by the Mother Elisabetta Longhi Foundation, symbolizing a shared commitment to care for and uplift women, especially those in vulnerable sectors.

Through this initiative led by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, DOST reaffirms its dedication to fostering inclusive, compassionate, and gender-responsive communities, where every woman is valued, honored, and empowered. 💜✨

💜𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!💜

The 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤-𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 officially opened on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at the DOST Plaza, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City, with this year’s empowering theme: “𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀!” The celebration gathered the DOST community in a vibrant show of unity, strength, and commitment to women empowerment in science, technology, and innovation.

The program began with a lively 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 around the DOST Grounds and Main Building, symbolizing solidarity across agencies and offices. An inspiring welcome message was delivered by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for ALA, In-Charge of the GAD Unit and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person. This was followed by an encouraging message of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗨. 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗺 𝗝𝗿., Secretary of DOST, which reaffirms the Department’s commitment to inclusive leadership and women empowerment.

A meaningful highlight of the celebration was the 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵-𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 for the 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 (𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘) 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀, conducted in a hybrid setup officiated by Secretary Solidum. The event also featured a Nationwide MOVE Message from 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗰. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼 𝗔. 𝗠𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴, DOST-wide MOVE President, strengthening the call for collective action among men in advancing safe and respectful spaces.

Adding color and cultural pride to the celebration was the much-anticipated 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁, showcasing nine empowered representatives from DOST Central Office, National Capital Region, ITDI, MIRDC, STII, PSHS System, PCHRD, PCIEERD and NAST. Each contestant embodied the strength, wisdom, and grace of the modern-day Babaylan. The following are the winners of the Babaylan Beauty Contest:
• 𝗠𝘀. 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 — 𝗠𝘀. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗩. 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗶 of PSHS System
• 𝗠𝘀. 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝗨𝗽 — 𝗠𝘀. 𝗚𝗶𝗲-𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗢. 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗴 of DOST-NCR
• 𝗠𝘀. 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝗨𝗽 (𝗧𝗶𝗲) — 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗚. 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝘀 of PCIEERD and 𝗠𝘀. 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗕. 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮 of MIRDC

The celebration also featured a vibrant 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗮𝗿 showcasing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of DOST-National Capital Region (NCR) beneficiaries including DOST employees with entrepreneurial skills. Employees in the Bicutan Community can visit their products from March 3 - 6, 2026.

The success of this year’s kick-off would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of 𝗔𝘀𝗲𝗰. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, whose vision continues to inspire meaningful action toward gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives across the Department. 💜

Tag: DOST Philippines

’sMonthKickOffCelebration2026