The key members of the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) gathered today for the GAD Budget Process and Gender and Development Planning and Budgeting (GPB) for 2027 Conference at Rovira Suites, Dumaguete City.

Spearheaded by GAD Center Director Dr. Aileen Rosette M. Felix, the conference aims to align the University's GAD programs, projects, and activities with corresponding budget allocations and the requirements of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) through the Gender Mainstreaming Monitoring System (GMMS). It also serves as a crucial step toward sustaining the successful endorsement of the University's GAD Plan and Budget.

In his inspirational message, University President Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi emphasized the significance of Gender and Development, saying, "This is not merely a routine administrative requirement, but an exercise of institutional responsibility—one that affirms NORSU's continuing commitment to equity, fairness, and human dignity in all that we do." He added that GAD budgeting is not a competition for funds but a shared commitment to designing programs that truly transform lives.

Dr. Felix presented the policy imperatives that served as the basis for the conduct of the conference by discussing the following frameworks for GAD planning and budgeting:

•General Appropriations Act (GAA)
•Republic Act No. 7192
•Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2004-1 for National Government Agencies (NGAs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
•Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women of 2009
•CHED Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2015
•PCW-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2012-01: Guidelines for the Preparation of the Annual Gender and Development Plan and Budget (GPB) and Accomplishment Report (GAD AR) in Pursuit of the Magna Carta of Women
•PCW-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2022-01: Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Annual Gender and Development Plan and Budget (GPB) and Accomplishment Report (GAD AR) in Pursuit of the Magna Carta of Women

The discussion on GAD Budget Tagging for offices, colleges, and campuses was subsequently facilitated by Ms. Angie Gajes, Budget Officer of the NORSU Siaton Campus.

Workshop followed on GAD Plan and Budget and the the presentation of the outputs from the University Project Management Office,College of Engineering and Architecture, Office of University Curriculum and Instruction and from NORSU Campuses of Guihulngan, Siaton, Bayawan, Mabinay, and Bais.