Cagayan State University - Gender and Development

18/09/2026

| CSU ANDREWS CHAMPIONS GENDER-RESPONSIVE STRATEGIES IN CTE FIRST YEAR ORIENTATION

Cagayan State University (CSU) – Andrews Campus concluded its week-long gender advocacy series with a dedicated Gender Sensitivity Orientation-Seminar designed for first-year students of the College of Teacher Education (CTE) on September 18, 2026. Spearheaded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, the session focused on equipping future educators with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate inclusive, non-discriminatory learning environments.

To ensure comprehensive engagement, the day was structured into two distinct program segments. The morning session gathered Secondary Education majors across various disciplines. The afternoon session brought together pre-service teachers from Elementary, Early Childhood, and Technical-Vocational programs.

Campus Executive Officer Mr. Terence Alfred Roberto A. Tejada, MBA, opened the day's events with an inspirational message stressing the critical role of the participants in breaking down gender stereotypes within classrooms. He emphasized that an educator's ultimate power is to foster dignity, equality, and acceptance in every life they touch.

"Somewhere in this room, right now, is a future teacher who's going to stand in front of 30, 40, or even 50 students someday —students who are still figuring out who they are, still learning what it means to be treated fairly, still learning what respect even looks like," CEO Tejada stated. "And they're going to learn a lot from you, not from a textbook, but from you — from how far you can speak to them, how you treat the quiet students in the back, how you handle the student who doesn't fit neatly into whatever box the world is trying to put them in."

Dr. Rose Mariedel C. Catli, CTE GAD Coordinator, then presented the program's rationale, while co-coordinator Ms. Maricar D. Castillo formally introduced the featured resource speakers for both segments.

During the morning lecture proper, faculty resource person Ms. Anne Margarette G. Maggay provided actionable strategies to identify and prevent gender-based harassment while fostering diversity and equality in educational settings.

"Remember, you can control whatever words you utter, but you can never control kung ano 'yong sasabihin or, yeah, 'yong sasabihin ng ibang tao sa 'yo. But your power is you, you can control yourself. That's your power. At hindi nila 'yun makuha sa 'yo, unless you allow them," she stated. [Translation: Remember, you can control whatever words you utter, but you can never control what other people will say to you. But your power is you; you can control yourself. That's your power. And they can never take that away from you unless you allow them to.]

In the afternoon, faculty resource person Ms. Grace Siplac explored foundational concepts of gender sensitivity, gender-fair language, and methods for creating safe learning spaces.

Both sessions featured an interactive forum where University GAD Focal Person Mr. Melvin M. Mora, the resource speakers, and the moderator addressed questions, clarified key concepts, and discussed university guidelines alongside national legal mandates raised by student-participants.

This activity marked the final leg of the campus-wide orientation series conducted from September 15–18, 2026, successfully embedding GAD principles across all colleges at CSU Andrews Campus. #

Image Courtesy: Melvin M. Mora; Romar Buquel (Golden Z Club Officer)

17/09/2026

Campus Update!

Campus Student Council- CSU Carig Campus in collaboration with Culture and the Arts Office, Sports Office and Gender And Development Office.

RA 11313 Symposium

https://www.facebook.com/share/19aNoyH1KM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🤝❤️‍🩹𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘, 𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦.

The 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗼. 𝟭𝟭𝟯𝟭𝟯 (𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁), recognizes that harassment can happen anywhere and that no one should endure actions that make them feel threatened or unsafe.

A situation disguised as “𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨” does not condone harassment, and silence does not make it acceptable. No one should be made to carry the shame of something they did not deserve. Remember, harassment is never the fault of the person who experienced it.

Therefore, consent cannot be assumed from silence or the absence of resistance. It must be specific and respected. When there is no consent, there must be no crossing of boundaries.

Because a safer world does not begin when someone finally speaks after being harmed. It begins when we create spaces where they never have to be afraid to speak in the first place.

It is a reminder that respect is not something we give only when asked for; it is something we practice wherever we are and whoever we are with.

💌𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲.

17/09/2026

| CSU ANDREWS ADVANCES INCLUSIVITY ADVOCACY WITH GAD ORIENTATION FOR HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

Continuing its initiative to build a safe, equitable, and gender-responsive academic culture, Cagayan State University (CSU) – Andrews Campus, in coordination with the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, conducted Gender Sensitivity Orientation-Seminar for the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) first-year students on September 17, 2026.

Designed to accommodate the broad cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program, the orientation was executed in two clusters.

CHM GAD Coordinator Marilyn A. Cruz established the rationale of the program and formally introduced the first resource person. The afternoon proceedings opened similarly under the direction of GAD Focal Person Melvin M. Mora who discussed the scope and necessity of campus-wide gender mainstreaming.

During the morning lecture, Campus Academic Affairs Director and faculty resource person Shelley T. Pascual, RN, MAN, unpacked fundamental gender concepts, the application of gender-fair terminology, and methods to create respectful environments in academic and professional settings. In the afternoon session, Ms. Cruz delivered insights on gender-based discrimination and put inclusive principles into practice. Citing real-world scenarios, she urged the participants to be sensitive as their nature of work is people-oriented.

Both resource persons discussed basic GAD concepts, agents of socialization (i.e. canalization), and tackled SOGIESC (S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and S*x Characteristics). Further, they highlighted the crucial legal and administrative foundations driving gender equality in the Philippines. They established the global and constitutional groundwork anchored on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its 30 basic human rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Section 14, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which explicitly guarantees the fundamental equality of women and men before the law.

To illustrate how these protections are legally enforced, the resource persons cited key national legislations, specifically Republic Act 7192 (Women in Development and Nation Building Act), Republic Act 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act). Emphasizing CHED Memorandum Order No. 01, s. 2015 for higher education institutions and Civil Service Commission MC No. 12, s. 2005, both noted the importance of applying gender-fair language under these policies to eliminatesubtle bias, enhance visibility, and build safer, more inclusive institutions.

To wrap up the session, Mr. Mora challenged the participants to embody equity and professional integrity, and be gender-responsive and gender-sensitive as 'these things go together.'

This activity forms part of the campus-wide orientation series running from September 15–18, 2026, aimed at empowering all incoming freshmen across departments.

17/09/2026

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16/09/2026

| CSU ANDREWS EXTENDS GENDER SENSITIVITY ORIENTATION FOR CBEA STUDENTS

Continuing its campus-wide initiative to nurture an inclusive learning environment, Cagayan State University (CSU) – Andrews Campus, through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, conducted the second day of the Gender Sensitivity Orientation-Seminar on September 16, 2026, targeting first-year students of the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA).

The day's activities were divided into morning and afternoon sessions to cater to different academic programs. The morning session catered to students taking BS Accountancy, BS Accounting Information System, and BS Entrepreneurship, while the afternoon session gathered participants from BS Business Administration and BS Legal Management.

Campus Executive Officer Mr. Terence Alfred Roberto A. Tejada, MBA, opened the morning event with an inspirational message emphasizing the importance of gender-responsive leadership in the campus, and in their future workplace in business and corporate sectors. Following the opening, Dr. Ariel F. Melad, CBEA GAD Coordinator, presented the rationale of the program and introduced the resource speakers for both segments.

During the morning lecture proper, faculty resource person Prof. Vida N. Banguibang tackled core concepts of gender sensitivity, inclusive language, and practical applications within academic and professional environments. In the afternoon session, Prof. Giged T. Battung, CPA, DBM, delivered a lecture detailing key gender mandates, identifying forms of gender-based discrimination, and championing equality in everyday campus interactions.

Both sessions featured open forum segments, allowing students from the respective programs to raise questions, share insights, and discuss institutional policies regarding gender mainstreaming.

The day concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Giehlito Dulin, J.D., Dean of the CBEA, who reminded students of their vital role in upholding respect, equality, and professional ethics as students and as future business leaders.

"I hope that whatever the topics that have been discussed, either issues on violence against women, international laws, internationally recognized laws and policies, special laws, special laws, Batas Pambansa, Constitution and other programs of the government and other important and significant things against discrimination, I hope that everything is embedded in your minds and hearts, regardless of your program in the College of Business Entrepreneurship and Accountancy," Dean Dulin stated.

The multi-day orientation series will continue through September 18, 2026, to ensure complete coverage across all college departments. #

15/09/2026

| CSU ANDREWS CONDUCTS GENDER SENSITIVITY ORIENTATION-SEMINAR FOR CAHS FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

To advance its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic community, the Cagayan State University (CSU) – Andrews Campus, through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, successfully held a Gender Sensitivity Orientation - Seminar for all College of Allied Health Sciences First Year students with the title: “Start Right, Stand Equal: Empowering Freshies to Build a Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Andrews Campus” on September 15 , 2026 at the CSU Andrews Gymnasium. This event aimed to deepen understanding on gender sensitivity, specifically among students, for them to contribute and implement inclusive practices.

Dr. Darlene July Caleda, the Campus Research Coordinator, delivered a message on behalf of Campus Executive Officer, Mr. Terence Alfred Roberto Tejada. During her address, Dr. Caleda shed light on their collective commitment in putting gender sensitivity and gender mainstreaming forward within their spheres of influence.

"This is a calling built on care, and real care does not ask who you love, how you identify, or where you come from before it extends a hand. The best healthcare workers are those who see the full humanity of every patient, every colleague, every person who walks through the door. that same spirit must begin here, in how you treat one another as classmates, as future colleagues, and as members of one caamous family." She further stated, "Through your simple efforts as students, you can contribute to our Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5. When you do research, when you extension, gender and development is part of that."

Following the welcome message, Ma'am Gail Ann Pacual, the College of Allied Health Sciences GAD Coordinator, took the floor to explain the rationale of the program, emphasizing that "as future healthcare professionals, students need to develop not only technical competencies, but also empathy, respect, and a strong commitment to equitable and compassionate service."

The seminar featured two academic experts and faculty members from the CAHS: Dr. Erwin L. Rimban and Dr. Pauline Grace Casil Batang. They discussed different gender-neutral terminologies and alternatives for s*xist language to foster sensitivity towards persons with diverse s*xual orientation, gender identity and expression, and s*x characteristics (SOGIESC). Citing legal bases and mandates such as Memorandum Circular 12, series of 2005 of the Civil Service Commission, the Memorandum Circular No. 2014-06 of the Philippine Commission on Women, the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 1, series of 2015, both emphasized the importance of promoting gender-fair language in all communication across academics and administrative settings. They further reiterated the necessity to 'update and upgrade one's lexicon or vocabulary' as societies evolve. Likewise, their discussion explored the fundamental concepts and principles on gender sensitivity like canalization, the manifestations of gender-based s*xual harassment in social institutions, and actionable steps and insights to implement gender-sensitive and gender-responsive practices.

Both sessions sparked meaningful discussions, with students actively raising questions and insights about the manifestations of gender-based violence, gender roles associated, and the policies of the University.

Mr. Melvin M. Mora, the University GAD Focal Person, urged the participants to be part of the crucial discourse. "Gender-sensitive and gender-responsive must go hand-in-hand. They must work together." He further assured that they are working on integrating GAD principles into CSU's key areas of operation and into the Student Manual. They further reaffirmed the University’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and respectful academic community.

Department Chair of BS Medical Laboratory Science Enjay Javier, RMT, MPH, DTA concluded the session with his insightful closing remarks. He stated, "Strengthening you in building a gender-responsive and inclusive community is a very crucial step that you have to carry on as you move along in the College of Allied Health Sciences. It is everybody's responsibility to be sensitive enough and to accept exactly what others' predispositions are. Make sure that you are not the reason why other people will become depressed, nor will be shattered as to what gender mindset or predispositions that they have."

The seminar will run from September 15-18, 2026 to fully and effectively realize the objectives of the activity. #

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Written by Kari Danel Agustin

14/09/2026

𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | The Gender and Development Office is set to conduct a Gender Sensitivity Orientation - Seminar for all First Year students with the title: “Start Right, Stand Equal: Empowering Freshies to Build a Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Andrews Campus” on September 15 - 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (morning Session), and 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM (afternoon session), at the CSU Andrews Gymnasium.

We invite 𝗮𝗹𝗹 first year students across colleges in Andrews Campus to take part in this crucial dialogue. Joining us are experts and competent Resource Persons from each college.

See you, advocates, and let's take bold steps towards a gender-responsive academic community!

14/09/2026

| CSU GAD WELCOMES MCNP-ISAP FOR BENCHMARKING

Today, September 14, 2026, the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines (MCNP) - International School of Asia and the Pacific (ISAP) visited the Cagayan State University (CSU) Gender and Development (GAD) Office for a benchmarking activity aimed at strengthening gender mainstreaming through knowledge-sharing and dialogue.

The MCNP-ISAP delegation was led by Mr. Jhony Benedicta, the Officer-in-Charge Guidance Coordinator and a CSU alumnus, alongside team members from MCNP-ISAP Guidance Office: Mr. Romel B. Laggui, Ms. Karen Joy B. Tacdol, and Ms. Crishelle May Fuggan. They were warmly welcomed by CSU through Mr. Melvin Mora, the University GAD Focal Person.

The visit highlighted MCNP-ISAP's initiative to learn from CSU’s best practices in gender mainstreaming across Instruction, Research, Extension, Development, and Infrastructure. During the visit, Mr. Mora detailed CSU's GAD programs, activities, and projects (PAPs), innovative strategies, and mechanisms for planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation. Likewise, he outlined and presented CSU's GAD Focal Point System and the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), noting their crucial roles in driving GAD initiatives forward.

Additionally, Mr. Mora mentioned CSU's use of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG), emphasizing Researchers' and Extensionists' mandatory utilization of such to secure Certificate of Compliance to ensure initiatives meet gender-sensitive standards.

The discussions also covered recently-conducted and upcoming GAD trainings and seminars, alongside strategies, such as enhancing s*x-disaggregated databases, monitoring GAD activities, and maintaining systematic documentation. Mr. Mora attributed the success of these PAPs to the steadfast support and commitment of the CSU administration, headed by OIC Office of the University President Prof. Arthur G. Ibañez, Ph.D., ASEAN Engr., CESE.

The benchmarking concluded with the MCNP-ISAP delegation expressing their sincere gratitude for CSU GAD's warm hospitality, whereas Mr. Mora assured CSU GAD's commitment to further assisting them as they establish and further integrate GAD principles into their operations. #

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Written by Kari Danel Agustin

11/09/2026

| CSU HOSTED REGIONAL SEMINAR-TRAINING ON GENDER RESEARCH

Hosted by the Cagayan State University, the Regional Gender and Development Committee-Region II (RGAD Committee-II) through the Regional Gender and Development - Research & Learning Center (RGAD-RLC) has taken a major step toward embedding gender perspectives into local policy and academic research in its Regional Seminar-Training on Gender Research on September 9-10, 2026 at the CSU Claude Andrews Convention Center, Caritan Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The event gathered regional leaders, faculty researchers, extension practitioners, administrative staff, GAD Focal Persons, and government agencies across Region II. It served as a space for gender discourse and for equipping participants with tools to design, conduct, and publish gender-responsive studies aligned with the Magna Carta of Women or the Republic Act No. 9710.

Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, in his inspirational message, expressed the commitment of CSU towards advancing gender equality through CSU's key areas.

"CSU’s commitment goes far beyond conferring degrees; our core mandate is anchored on Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production for societal transformation. Hosting this gathering directly reflects CSU’s core commitment: serving as a living laboratory for evidence-based knowledge that empowers our local communities and drives inclusive growth across the region."

The event kicked-off with the opening message delivered by Ms. Ludivina T. Potot, Chief Budget and Management Specialist of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in lieu of RGADC Chair and Regional Director of Department of Science and Technology Virginia G. Bilgera, DPA.

The event featured Chief GAD Specialist Kim Harold T. Peji who detailed how RA 9710 guides research. He discussed how RA 9710 can be a basis for identifying and examining gender gaps and issues, identifying research areas arising from the implemention of MCW. He also tackled the strategic directions or ways forward related to MCW.

A highlight of the event was a keynote address of Ms. Sigrid Jan Sibug of UN Women Philippines who shared inclusive governance and sustainable development, and draws three sample stories to show gender gaps and gender perspectives.

Commission on Human Rights -Region 2 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Atty. Cecilia M. Lazaro, LLB outlined the human rights and legal frameworks essential for gender studies.

To build practical research skills, Quirino State University (QSU) GAD Director Dr. Emma D. Aspiras revisited basic gender concepts and methodologies. Meanwhile, Dr. Mary Grace Gumpal, Director of the Isabela State University (ISU) Gender Resource and Research Development Center, guided participants through research design, ethics, and emerging frontiers.

The first day concluded with a workshop where participants drafted working titles and research objectives with feedback from regional experts.

Day 2 focused on advanced analytics and publishing. Prof. King David J. Agreda of Cavite State University, a member of the National GAD Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women, introduced data collection techniques and gender analysis tools, emphasizing how crucial a Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines is during the research process. Further, he shared their institutional best practices.

Dr. Florentina S. Dumlao, the University Technical Consultant and the former Nueva Vizcaya State University President, emphasized the importance of translating research into policy and advocacy, and advocating for research output.

Dr. Jonar I. Yago, Vice-President of the Research,. Extension, and Training of Nueva Vizcaya State University, followed with a session on structuring gender research into the journal-ready IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format.

Dr. Gilbert C. Magulod Jr., CESE, Director of Knowledge & Technology Management, provided strategies for publishing, comparing journal tiers to a brand hierarchy where indexers such as Web of Science and Scopus represent top-tier reach. He encouraged delegates to explore diverse output formats, including original research, commentaries, book chapters, and short communications.

During the second day of the workshop, participants finalized their research proposals based on their Day 1 outlines. Three delegation teams from CSU presented their titles, as well as their proposal concepts addressing agriculture, the Safe Spaces Act, and the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework to a panel of experts for evaluation.

The two-day session concluded with a send-off message delivered by Ms. Potot, on behalf of RGADC Co-Chair and DBM Acting Regional Director Jose Pamittan, followed by the signing of a pledge of commitment to advance gender-responsive and gender-transformative research across the region.

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Written by Kari Danel Agustin

Image Courtesy of University Information Office; Melvin Mora; Kevin Aluyen; Dr. Gilbert Magulod

07/09/2026

BUTIL NG DUNONG: MAIKLING PIYESANG HANDOG SA MGA G**O

Pagtapak ko pa lamang sa paaralang ito, sumasalubong na ang mga pamilyar na ngiti at yakap mula sa mga taong humubog sa amin. Ang aking paglalakbay mula sa pagiging mag-aaral tungo sa pagiging alumna ay puno ng hamon, tagumpay, at paglago. Ang aming mga iba't ibang adhikain sa buhay ay dinala kami sa iba't ibang landas — may mga tinahak ang larangan ng akademya, ang negosyo, ang pagsasaka, ang ahensya ng gobyerno, ang paglilingkod sa komunidad, ang pangingibang-bansa, at iba pa.

Ngunit saan man kami dalhin ng agos ng buhay, ang mga aral at kaalaman na itinanim ng mga huwarang mga g**o ay patuloy na bumubuo sa aming mga pagsusumikap.

Sa pagbubukas ng aming pinto sa mas malawak na komunidad, mas nag-aalab ang aking adhikaing matuto upang maging tanglaw rin ng kaalaman para sa mas batang henerasyon.

- Perspektibo ng isang Alumna, Batch 2024