Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) Gender and Development (GAD) Office and the University Research Development and Innovation (URDI) Office spearheaded a Project Proposal Writing Seminar-Workshop aimed at empowering the members of the Green Ladies Association District 2 (GLAD-2) of Bauang, La Union. The seminar-workshop was held at DMMMSU-NLUC New Administration Building on October 17, 2024.

The event aimed to equip women leaders from Bauang’s coastal, lowland, and highland barangays with the skills needed to draft project proposals, and business plans to create livelihood ventures that will uplift women’s economic status and sustain the economic growth of their communities.

Key speakers included Dr. Victoria N. Malaya, Director for Innovation & Technology Commercialization, who discussed about Research-Product based outputs of DMMMSU for Extension; Dr. Andie John D. Tadeo, FRTI Director, who shared the success story of Solar Sea Salt Making; Dr. Fatima R. Macadaeg, GAD Coordinator for Research, Development, and Innovation, who discussed the processing and success stories of products like Ube and Malunggay; and Prof. Keneth G. Bayani, Director for Research, who shared helpful tips and guidelines on Project Proposal Writing.

The workshop, organized by DMMMSU GAD Office, led by Dr. Sherlyn Marie D. Nitura, Director for Gender and Development, in collaboration with URDI, concluded with group presentations of proposed livelihood projects.

In his message to the participants, Dr. Priscillo P. Fontanilla, Jr., VP for Planning and Development, emphasized the empowering nature of the workshop: “Ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa inyo upang mangarap ng malaki at samantalahin ang potensyal ng inyong mga komunidad,” underscoring the university’s commitment to helping women leaders maximize their communities’ potential and pursue ambitious dreams for sustainable development.

Participants expressed gratitude for the invaluable insights and hands-on experience they have gained, confident that their newly acquired skills would drive economic growth in their communities.  “This workshop has truly inspired us to take action and make a difference in our barangays,” one leader remarked.

The event highlighted DMMMSU’s ongoing mission to foster community development through education and capacity-building initiatives, empowering local leaders to create sustainable economic growth.