Davao City, Philippines – The initiative to institutionalize Comprehensive Gender and Health Education for the Youth (CGHEY) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) made significant progress with a dedicated Strategic Planning Workshop held from November 9 to 11, 2025, at the Seda Hotel in Davao City.
The workshop was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), and was supported by the generous assistance of the Government of Canada. Participants included selected personnel from the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and other key stakeholders. These included the Director General for Basic Education; Bureau Directors for Basic Education, SPED, IPED, and ALS; the Regional Planning Officer; the Chief of the Health and Nutrition Unit (HNU); an Education Program Specialist (EPS); Nurse II personnel; the YFD Focal and CPP Focal; an ADA VI for Madaris; an EPS from the Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID); a Senior Education Program Specialist (SEPS); and Schools Division Superintendents (SDS) from Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and the Special Geographic Area, along with other concerned stakeholders.
The primary goal of the three-day activity was to create a multi-year work plan to incorporate and institutionalize CGHEY within MBHTE policies and programs, aligned with the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MBHTE and UNFPA. The initiative is carefully based on Islamic values and national laws, such as RA 10354, ensuring cultural relevance and legal compliance in promoting gender-sensitive and health-focused education. Sessions, led by Mr. Dennis G. Amando, a senior program specialist from Palladium Global Philippines, focused on clarifying the understanding of Comprehensive Gender, Health, and Education for Youth (CGHEY) in BARMM, conducting a situational analysis, and strategic planning.
Participants, including education leaders, school health professionals, and development partners, conducted a comprehensive situational analysis. They identified strengths such as solid policy foundations and existing partnerships, while recognizing weaknesses like limited teacher training and resource constraints. Opportunities, such as revising modules and leveraging digital platforms, and threats like cultural resistance and funding limitations, were also identified. Strategic priorities were established around key results areas, including policy review, providing technical guidance, and monitoring and evaluation.
Strategic priorities were developed based on identified Key Results Areas (KRAs). These KRAs included reviewing the available Comprehensive Gender and Health Education for Youth (CGHEY) module, providing technical guidance and expertise, coordinating and supporting efforts, conducting monitoring and evaluation, and reviewing policies.
The workshop successfully ended with the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG), which is responsible for overseeing policy development, integrating curriculum, and implementing initiatives. Additional recommendations include securing sustainable funding and boosting partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
By addressing known gaps and exploiting opportunities, the CGHEY initiative, supported by the MBHTE, UNFPA, and CBCS, aims to empower Bangsamoro youth with thorough, culturally aware education that advances health, gender equality, and lifelong learning.
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BABAE Project Officer
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