BUOU core faculty members lead GAD Research

Three core faculty members of BU Open University (BUOU) is conducting a study on Sexual Health and Empowerment Project Implementation Assessment (SHE-PIA) in Bulusan and Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon and Mobo, Masbate. The research is an on-going partnership with the Mayon Integrated Development Alternatives and Services, Inc. (MIDAS). As stipulated in the MOA, the ongoing research is until June 2023.

Dr. Emily M. Agonos, project leader, delves on lessons and prospects of the SHE Project among Women, Adolescents and the Community; while Prof. Jose Carlo B. Lavapie, study leader, studies on the Utilization of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Information and Services. Another OU faculty, Dr. Ramon T. De Leon, study leader, looks into the Involvement of Men in the Implementation of SRHR Policies and Programs by the Women’s Rights Organization (WRO).

“Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights is a comprehensive, integrated, and indivisible set of existing human rights concept that is recognized in international treaties, consensus documents and national laws in countries around the world (SRHR International Definition, OXFAM Canada). The Canadian government through Global Affairs Canada and the generous Canadian public is funding this in the Philippines, The SHE Project originated and was funded by SHE project aims to empower women and girls to secure their Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in 6 disadvantaged and conflict-affected regions,” Agonos said.

The study aims to improve knowledge and awareness on SRHR particularly among women and girls, including the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), strengthen health systems and community structures to deliver rights-based comprehensive SRHR information services, and improve the effectiveness and women’s movements to advance SRHR and prevent GBV.

“Mobo, Masbate and Prieto Diaz and Bulusan, Sorsogon were chosen as study locales because these provinces are the beneficiaries of the SHE Project implemented by MIDAS  in its last year of implementation, the conduit NGO that implemented the project having aligned thrusts between MIDAS and the SHE Project. These are the only provinces selected for the Bicol Region to implement SHE Project in the Philippines,” Agonos added.

The approved total budgetary requirement is Php. 200,000 whereas Php. 50,000 of which is shouldered by the Bicol University Research and Development, while the Php. 150, 000 is the shared budget of the MIDAS.

The research and extension partnership of Bicol University through BUOU was formalized through MOA on November 10, 2022 as the first engagement to be undertaken by concerned BUOU faculty members. by Roldan C. Cabiles, BUOU