DOST Gender and Development Unit

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully held the 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦: 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, a Philippine side event of the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW70), earlier today, March 18, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The forum opened with Welcome Remarks from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs of DOST, followed by a Keynote Message from 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗨. 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗺, 𝗝𝗿., Secretary of DOST, who emphasized the vital role of science and innovation in shaping inclusive and responsive governance. A Message of Support was also delivered by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗡𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦. 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿, Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women, reaffirming the country’s commitment to advancing gender equality through collaborative and multi-sectoral efforts.

Distinguished speakers then shared global and local perspectives on leveraging STI for justice. 𝗠𝘀. 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲𝗻 of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) discussed the importance of strengthening gender-responsive and rights-based legal technologies, highlighting ethical governance, risks in digital systems, human rights-based approaches, and the need for accountability through oversight mechanisms and corporate responsibility.

Meanwhile, 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗷𝗼-𝗞𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗻 delivered a comprehensive discussion on closing the gender digital divide to promote inclusive and accessible justice systems. She underscored why digital access is essential in ensuring that justice is within reach, particularly for marginalized sectors, and examined how gaps in technology access continue to hinder women’s ability to fully participate in legal processes. She highlighted the role of the justice sector, including ongoing initiatives of the Philippine Supreme Court to digitize services and improve access to justice.

In her presentation, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔. 𝗗𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗮, an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology highlighted the role of forensic DNA analysis and research in handling sensitive cases such as sexual assault, particularly those involving minors. She also emphasized the importance of proposed DNA-related legislation and called on forensic scientists across sectors to remain grounded in objectivity, excellence, and social responsibility—recognizing that behind every scientific endeavor are real lives seeking justice and truth.

The event concluded with an engaging open forum, followed by the awarding of certificates to speakers and participants. Words of Acknowledgement were delivered by 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗡𝗶ñ𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗛. 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), and Closing Remarks were given by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗔. 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼𝗴, Regional Director of DOST Region I. The forum served as a meaningful platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing DOST’s commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation in building a more gender-responsive, inclusive, and equitable justice system for all.

This milestone event was made possible through the strong collaboration of the DOST Central Office Gender and Development Unit (GADU), DOST Region I, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) under the leadership of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟. 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼. Beyond commemoration, the forum stood as a reaffirmation of a shared commitment to empower women and girls, advance gender equality, and harness science, technology, and innovation in building a more gender-responsive and accessible justice system for all. 💜✨

✨𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗦𝗪𝟳𝟬 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿!💜

Join us at the upcoming 𝗛𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺: 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲—a Philippine side event of the 70th United 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 (𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗦𝗪𝟳𝟬), hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the Philippine International Convention Center on March 18, 2026.

Join us as experts, policymakers, and stakeholders come together to explore how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can serve as powerful catalysts for gender-responsive justice, empowering women and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Stay tuned for more updates, including the program highlights and our lineup of distinguished speakers. See you there!

𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌: tinyurl.com/PHSideEvent-UNCSW70

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲!💜

In celebration of the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) proudly recognizes the remarkable 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 who continue to shape the future of science, technology, and innovation in the country. From advancing research and development to strengthening scientific and technical services, these dedicated officials exemplify leadership, excellence, and commitment in driving the nation toward a more inclusive and progressive STI landscape.

Together, let us celebrate these inspiring women leaders of DOST who continue to break barriers, lead with purpose, and empower the next generation in science, technology, and innovation. ✨

𝙉𝙊𝙏𝙀: In the photo are the DOST Central Office Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Service Directors, Attached Agency Officials, and Regional Office Directors.

[1𝙨𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙬] 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨:
• Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun – Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services
• Dr. Leah J. Buendia – Undersecretary for Research and Development
• Dr. Diana L. Ignacio – Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs
• Engr. Maria Teresa Bien de Guzman – Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development

[2𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙤𝙬] 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨:
• Atty. Angely P. Medalle-Alviar – Director IV, Administrative and Legal Service (ALS)
• Dir. Racquel P. Alvendia – Director IV, Financial and Management Service (FMS)
• Dir. Lita S. Suerte Felipe – Director, Department Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO)

[3𝙧𝙙 𝙍𝙤𝙬] 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝘼𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨:
• Atty. Lucieden G. Raz – Deputy Director & Officer-in-Charge, Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)
• Dr. Annabelle V. Briones – Director, Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)
• Dr. Ronnalee N. Orteza – Executive Director, Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System
• Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena – Director, Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI)
• Dir. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo – Director IV, National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

[4𝙩𝙝 𝙍𝙤𝙬] 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨:
• Dr. Nancy A. Bantog – Regional Director, DOST Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
• Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog – Regional Director, DOST Region I
• Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera – Regional Director, DOST Region II
• Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles – Regional Director, DOST National Capital Region (NCR)
• Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit – Regional Director, DOST Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
• Dr. Naomicossette R. Luis – Officer-in-Charge, Regional Director, DOST NIR Regional Office
• Ms. Rosemarie S. Salazar – Regional Director, DOST Region IX

"𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔, 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒔!"