The Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710), approved on August 14, 2009, defines Gender and Development Program as the development perspective and process that is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potentials.

NFRDI has a six-year strategic plan, which is anchored on its mandate, to mainstream Gender and Development in the Institute. Gender mainstreaming in NFRDI has the following focus areas:

• Policy – conduct of review and revision on existing policies and formulation of new policies and guidelines in consultation with the stakeholders and governing boards
• People – availability of equitable laboratories, technical and information services; facilitating GAD related workshops
• Enabling Mechanism – giving full financial support to GAD RDE projects, continuous consultations and collaboration with GAD advocating agencies
• Programs, Activities and Projects – ensuring gender responsiveness of RDE agenda and facilities; increase public awareness on the Institute’s GAD programs and projects