Burabod, Sorsogon City – April 4, 2025

In a meaningful exchange of gender-responsive educational practices, Principal Precy B. Badilla of Baao West Central School, Schools Division of Camarines Sur, led a delegation of 47 teachers and non-teaching personnel on a benchmarking visit to Sorsogon East Central School to learn from its Gender and Development (GAD) best practices.

The visit was made possible through an official request addressed to Schools Division Superintendent William Gando of SDO Sorsogon City. In response, SDS Gando endorsed the activity and tasked Division GAD Focal Person George D. Paguio to facilitate the coordination.

The program, hosted by Principal Ernesto Deyto of Sorsogon East Central School, featured a concise yet informative presentation of the school’s GAD initiatives and documentation. The exchange focused on successful gender mainstreaming strategies, student-led inclusivity campaigns, and school-wide practices.

The visit was organized in close collaboration with Ms. Pearl Honey A. Lopez, Project Development Officer I of Baao West Central School, whose efforts helped align the benchmarking activity with their institution’s goals of strengthening gender-responsive programs.

After the school-based session, the delegation proceeded to FMB Resort, Santa Magdalena, Sorsogon for a team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and internal alignment among the visiting faculty and staff.

Before departing, both schools had a ceremonial exchange of local delicacies as tokens of goodwill and cultural appreciation. To ensure the safety and smooth movement of guests, Mr. Paguio also coordinated with the local SK3 which extended assistance throughout the day.

The benchmarking visit was not only an avenue for professional learning but also a celebration of inter-division collaboration towards creating safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive school environments.

~Photos courtesy of Principal Ernesto Deyto