VSU Tolosa GAD & Special Programs

As National Bullying Prevention Month comes to a close, our commitment must continue.🧡

Let’s stand united against bullying—in all its forms. Every word of kindness, every act of empathy, and every safe space we create makes a difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

✨ Be kind.
✨ Be brave.
✨ Be the reason someone feels safe.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐃𝐓𝐄 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

VSU Tolosa Department of Teacher Education hosted a seminar-workshop on Research Capability Building last October 8, 2025, at the KOICA Conference Room. This seminar-workshop aims to enhance the research knowledge and skills of faculty members in support of the university’s mission to promote academic excellence and innovation through research.

The capacity-building session covered discussions on the Utilization of Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) in Research by Instr. Lovely L. Enfermo, and a Re-echo on Policy Brief presented by Instr. Mervin Clyde Cañanes, culminating in an afternoon of hands-on research workshop.

The program will continue with its second session on November 5, 2025, to further strengthen the research capabilities of the DTE faculty.

Congratulations to VSU and its Gender and Development (GAD) Office for ranking 6th among state universities and colleges nationwide recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for advancing gender equality through the 2024 GAD Budget.

VSU continues to lead in promoting gender-responsive governance in Eastern Visayas through programs that empower women, uphold inclusivity, and address gender-related issues across the university’s operations.

VSU ranks 6th nationwide in GAD budget allocation, gains recognition from PCW VSU ranks 6th among SUCs nationwide in GAD budget allocation, gaining PCW recognition for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | VSUT Holds Human Resource Empowerment and Gender Sensitivity Training

To foster a healthier, more inclusive, and gender-responsive work environment, the Visayas State University Tolosa successfully conducted a two-day Human Resource Empowerment and Gender Sensitivity Training on Inclusive Workplace for the non-teaching employees on September 23–24, 2025, at the KOICA Conference Room (Day 1) and VSU Tolosa Library (Day 2).

On the first day of the training, Department of Health (DOH) representatives Ms. Winnie C. Dorego and Ms. Doreen Garchitorenia engaged the employees in an interactive discussion on mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of well-being in both professional and personal settings. In the afternoon, the participants attended a series of re-orientations and updates on essential university services, with Ms. Jonna Gallaron discussing Human Resource policies, Nurse Erwin Dorego presenting on Health Services, Ms. Jovy Bendulo-Cagara and Ms. Cristy Vivero facilitating a session on Budget Management, Ms. Kaylle Biancamae Gomez addressing Accounting concerns, and Ms. Ma. Alva Athena Pundavela providing insights on Procurement processes.

Further empowering the employees, the second day highlighted discussions on gender sensitivity and workplace inclusivity. A session on basic Gender and Development concepts, including issues of gender bias and workplace stereotypes, was presented by Ms. Susanie B. Aquiles, Head of GAD VSU Isabel. The afternoon session focused on the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313 or Bawal Bastos Law) and the VSU Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, which were discussed by Ms. Lovely L. Enfermo.

The success of the activity was made possible through the collective efforts of the VSU Tolosa administration, support offices, such as the Business and Resource Generation Office (BRGO), Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS), and General Services Office (GSO), dedicated resource speakers, supportive facilitators, and the active participation of the employees.

The two-day training, collaboratively organized by the VSU Tolosa Human Resource Management Office and VSU Tolosa Gender and Development & Special Programs/Concerns, reinforced VSU’s commitment to create an empowered and inclusive workplace and support and .

To mark Su***de Prevention Month, a meaningful seminar entitled "Raising Awareness to Prevent Su***de" was held at the VSU Tolosa Gymnatorium yesterday, September 10, 2025. Spearheaded by Dr. Ilonah Jean A. Vivo, Coordinator of the Guidance and Counselling Services, the program sought to highlight the urgent and critical need for su***de prevention as a vital part of promoting mental health and emotional well-being in the community.
Su***de remains a serious global and local public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities deeply. This seminar aimed to raise awareness about the warning signs, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, and empower students and staff to take proactive steps in preventing su***de. Through education and open dialogue, the event emphasized that su***de prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
The event featured Ms. Rupha Gin T. Fernandez, a visiting guidance counselor from VSU Main Campus, Baybay, Leyte, who shared valuable insights on identifying at-risk individuals and the importance of reaching out for help early.
The seminar was attended by first-year students who actively engaged in the event. A key highlight was a student-led roleplay session, during which participants showcased their own programs and advocacy ideas aimed at fostering a safer, more supportive, and mentally healthy VSU Tolosa community.
At the core of this seminar is the powerful reminder that your life matters—no matter the challenges or struggles you face. Every individual’s story is important, and reaching out for help is a brave and vital step toward healing. The event encouraged everyone to remember that they are not alone and that there is hope and support available. By fostering a culture of understanding and compassion, VSU Tolosa Guidance and Counselling Services aims to ensure that every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to overcome difficulties. ✨
For any concerns, issues, or problems, don’t hesitate to visit the VSU Tolosa Guidance and Counselling Services, located at the Old Administration Building. Help is always available, and reaching out is a courageous and important step toward your well-being. 💛

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐏𝐫𝐄𝐝𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

Today, September 3, student teachers participated in a preparatory seminar aimed at equipping them for the demands and challenges of their forthcoming internship.

Informative sessions were conducted, covering topics essential for the holistic preparation of the interns. Instr. Eugenio L. Permejo, Jr. delivered a talk on Classroom Management, while Campus Nurse Erwin Dorego provided insights on Family Planning, highlighting its relevance to both personal well-being and professional responsibility. The seminar also featured an orientation on the VSU Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy through a lecture by Instr. Lovely L. Enfermo, Head of the Gender and Development & Special Programs/Concerns (GADSPC) Office.

Reminders from the Office of the Director for Student Affairs and Services (ODSAS), through Dr. Ilonah Jean Vivo, were also presented to ensure that internship protocols are properly observed.

The seminar was capped off with an online talk on Mental Health Preparedness by Ms. Rupha Gin Fernandez, a Registered Guidance Counselor from the VSU Main Campus.

This activity is an initiative of the Teaching Internship Committee, led by Instr. Erick Ocenar.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Faculty Gears Up in Two-Day Onboarding & Gender Sensitivity Training

To strengthen faculty competence and foster inclusive teaching practices, Visayas State University Tolosa faculty members participated in the Faculty Onboarding and Gender Sensitivity Training on Gender-Fair Education held on August 13–14, 2025, at the VSU Tolosa KOICA Conference Room.

The two-day activity, jointly organized by the Office of the Director for Academic Affairs (ODAA) and the Gender and Development & Special Programs or Concerns (GADSPC) Office, aimed to orient VSUT faculty, particularly newly hired members, on institutional policies, professional responsibilities, and the integration of gender-fair language in instruction. This initiative of the university supports the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

The first day of the training included sessions on professionalism, human resource policies, overload pay, and the institution’s health services, with Dr. Marilou B. Peñeda, Ms. Jonna G. Creer, Ms. Nelia Ecija, and Mr. Erwin Dorego serving as resource speakers. On the same day, Mr. Eugenio L. Permejo, Jr. emphasized the faculty’s role in instruction through an interactive discussion on classroom management, while Dr. June Rey A. Montajes underscored their key roles in research and extension.

Continuing the training, the second day focused on mainstreaming gender and development into instruction, with Ms. Marianne U. dela Peña, Director for VSU Gender and Development, facilitating a discussion on gender-fair language in syllabi and course materials, the principles of gender-fair education, and the VSU Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy. The two-day training concluded with participants applying gender-fair language in the crafting and presenting their course syllabi and materials.

Preparing the faculty for this academic year was a stride made possible through the support of the VSU Tolosa administration, the initiative of the organizers, the invaluable expertise of the resource speakers, the assistance of the facilitators, and the active participation of the faculty.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗯𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻?

Sa bawat kalamidad, hindi pantay ang epekto sa lahat. Kadalasang mas apektado ang kababaihan, kabataan, at iba pang vulnerable sectors.

Narito ang ilang tips para masigurong inclusive at responsive ang inyong disaster response plans.

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EYES HERE | International Pride Day Message

Visayas State University Tolosa proudly celebrates Pride Month by honoring the strength, resilience, and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
As we stand for equality and inclusion, let us continue to create safe spaces, break down barriers, and amplify every voice that dares to love, live, and be free.

VSU Tolosa GAD & Special Programs (GADSPC) Office stands with the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating International Pride Day, a reminder that love, identity, and inclusion matter every day.

📢 𝗩𝗦𝗨 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 – We Want to Hear From You!

The VSU Administration is considering the possibility of proposing a new Dress Code Policy, and the University Supreme Student Council Federation (USSCF) wants your opinion!

At the same time, we also want to know your thoughts on the potential changes to the VSU Dress Code Policy.

📌 Do you agree with having a school uniform?
📌 Do you believe the current dress code needs changes?
📌 What are your concerns or suggestions?

Now’s your chance to speak up! Your opinion matters, and your voice can help shape this decision.

💬 Take the survey now: https://forms.gle/2XNpoM9bzroeEEvZ9

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐕𝐒𝐔 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐚 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬

Visayas State University Tolosa employees participated in a Basic Self-Defense Training on March 26, 2025, at the Defense Tactics Room.

Aligned with the National Women’s Month Celebration and the advocacy for SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the training aimed to enhance personal security, strengthen situational awareness, and empower employees with practical defensive skills applicable to daily life.

In this event, the Student Martial Arts Alliance (SMAA) and Instr. Harvey Tabunan, adviser of SMAA, discussed and demonstrated basic defense skills and strategies necessary to respond a potential threat.

This event underscores the university's commitment to safety, well-being and empowerment.