The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) will conduct a National Dissemination Forum on the project "Development of a Methodology and Estimation of the Gender Development Index (GDI) at the Local Level" on October 15, 2008, 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila located in Ortigas Avenue corner ADB Avenue, Quezon City.

The project was implemented with funding assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority. It was intended to develop a methodology that would generate provincial gender development index (GDI) for all provinces as well as for the municipalities of the five selected pilot provinces (Ilocos Norte, Palawan, Guimaras, Compostela Valley, and Sarangani). The project also aimed to draw attention to gender issues by highlighting the disparities between women and men in health, education, and income.

During the forum, NSCB Secretary General Romulo A. Virola will deliver the opening remarks, NSCB OIC Director Candido J. Astrologo, Jr. will discuss the objectives and activities of the GDI project, while project consultant Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales of the UP School of Statistics will present the methodology and estimates of the GDI. Invited reactors include Ms. Lorenzana Umali, Deputy Director of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) and Mr. Jimmy Baban, Provincial Planning Development Coordinator of the Province of Guimaras. UNDP Country Manager Renaud Meyer is also expected to attend to deliver the closing remarks.

Participants in the said forum include representatives from national government agencies, the academe, non-government organizations, local government units, the media, and other institutions/organizations involved in gender policy and development.