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Gender-responsive TVET skills honed in collaborative training by Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT GADC, DTTE, and Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT NMPC

Mar 30 2026

In celebration of the National Women’s Month 2026, the Gender and Development Center (GADC) of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT), in collaboration with the Department of Technology Teacher Education (DTTE) and in partnership with the Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NMPC)–GAD Committee, successfully conducted a whole-day skills training entitled “Babaylan Electricians: Empowering Women through Gender-Responsive TVET Skills, Innovation, and Sustainable Development,” on March 25, 2026.

Held at the COE Electrical Laboratory (IAM), the activity gathered 35 women participants from various barangays in Iligan City, namely Barangay Rogongon, Barangay Buru-on, Barangay Tubod, Barangay Mahayahay, Barangay Kiwalan, Barangay Bagong Silang, Barangay Del Carmen, and Barangay Tipanoy. The participants, composed of young mothers and community women, were equipped with practical and technical skills in electrical installation and maintenance anchored on gender-responsive TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and sustainable development principles.

The program formally opened with the welcome remarks of Dr. Adelfa C. Silor, GAD TWG member and DTTE faculty, emphasizing the importance of empowering women through inclusive education, innovation, and technical skills training. This was followed by a message from Dr. Marilou S. Nanaman, Chairperson of the GAD Committee of the Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT NMPC, who highlighted the Cooperative’s strong support through the donation of electrical materials used during the training.

The morning session featured Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) Training – Part I, facilitated by Dr. Victor S. Rosales, TESDA-certified trainer and CED-DTTE faculty. The session covered basic electrical concepts, safety procedures, proper tool handling, and hands-on guided practice, allowing participants to gain practical competencies and confidence.

In the afternoon, the program continued with the Election of Officers of the TVET TechWomen Club, marking the formation of a women-led organization aimed at sustaining engagement in TVET initiatives. This was followed by the continuation of the training (EIM Part II) conducted by Dr. Roque B. Requino, DTTE Chairperson and TESDA trainer, further enhancing participants’ technical skills.

The culminating program, held at the CED Lobby, was highlighted by a GAD Message from Ms. Yasmira P. Moner, GAD Focal Person, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. An Inspirational Message was delivered by Dr. Nancy Q. Echavez, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, emphasizing the role of women as modern-day babaylans—leaders and catalysts of social transformation.

A significant highlight of the event was the Babaylan Electricians Pledge of Commitment, symbolized through a single candle lighting ceremony and collective pledge of participants, representing unity, empowerment, and dedication to community service.

The activity also featured the Oath-Taking of the Newly Elected Officers of the TVET TechWomen Club, administered by Dr. Roque B. Requino. An Impression Talk was delivered by the Club President, Mrs. Eleonor Salahid, to express gratitude and share transformative experiences gained from the training.

This initiative aligns with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National Women’s Month 2026 theme. It reinforces Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT’s commitment to gender-responsive education, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Dr. Adelfa C. Silor, GAD TWG member and organizer of the TVET TechWomen Club, extended her heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Yasmira P. Moner, GAD Focal Person; Dr. Nancy Q. Echavez, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs; and Dr. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, University Chancellor, for their invaluable support in the successful realization of the Women’s Month Celebration 2026 under the GAD Center.

The “Babaylan Electricians” initiative stands as a testament to Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT’s continuing efforts to empower women through skills development, leadership formation, and inclusive education, paving the way for greater participation of women in technical and traditionally male-dominated fields.

[Photos from Dr. Nancy Echavez’s Facebook Profile]

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