Gender Responsiveness in the Philippine Basic Education Context: Priority Thrusts and Initiatives in the Schools Division of Batangas City

Abstract

In 2017, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued the Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy mandating schools to pursue initiatives to address enduring and emerging gender issues and to promote gender equality. This explanatory-sequential research explored and analyzed the gender-mainstreaming initiatives implemented in the Schools Division of Batangas City. Based on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF), the assessment of 255 basic education personnel reveal that the gender-mainstreaming in their Schools Division of Batangas City is currently at the GAD application (Level III). The basic education personnel know the various GAD initiatives institutionalized within the organization and the strategic approach to implementing GAD-related activities. The results and findings from the real-time Delphi survey and focus group discussion underscore the importance of targeted interventions in curriculum development, pedagogy, learning environments, research, capacity building, and knowledge management. The study recommends strengthening awareness programs, addressing knowledge gaps, implementing real-time monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and fostering collaborative partnerships to enhance gender responsiveness within the Schools Division of Batangas City. These recommendations aim to foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment that supports the holistic development of all students, aligning with the principles of the Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy.