Central Philippine University Gender and Development Policy
Central Philippine University adheres to the Biblical teaching and Christian perspective that human beings are created in the image of God, thus, the University commits to recognize, respect, and promote human dignity, equal rights and opportunities, and social justice for all individuals towards nation- building. It endeavors to adopt a gender-inclusive policy that is responsive to gender-related issues and to provide a healthy, safe, and friendly environment for learning and development for all individuals through instruction, research, and extension.
A Legacy of Empowering Women at Central Philippine University
Central Philippine University (CPU) has always stood as a beacon of equality and opportunity—long before gender advocacy became a global movement. Founded by visionary American missionaries, the University opened doors not just to education, but to leadership, purpose, and impact—regardless of gender.
As early as 1917–1918, when it was still known as the Jaro Industrial School, the institution made history with Mary J. Tomas, an American woman, serving as Acting President. In 1956–1957, Linnea Nelson would follow, becoming the University’s President—another milestone that affirmed CPU’s deep commitment to inclusive leadership. Beyond the presidency, women served as Deans, Principals, Trustees, Ministers, and Pastors—roles in which they shaped minds, communities, and generations. (For a complete list of the Presidents of CPU, refer to this page: https://cpu.edu.ph/about-us/administration/presidents/)
Long before the world widely recognized the importance of gender equity, CPU ensured that women were given the same opportunities as men in every sphere of university life. Women were not only allowed to lead—they were encouraged, empowered, and celebrated as equals in academics, athletics, and administration. Their success was never seen as a challenge to men but as a contribution to a shared legacy of excellence.
Records bear witness to a bold truth: CPU was gender-sensitive and gender-responsive from its earliest days. Issues affecting women were not sidelined—they were brought into the heart of university discourse. Committees were established to promote understanding, create solutions, and foster progress in gender-related matters. The University became a space where gender advocacy flourished—impacting not only Western Visayas, but also the national and international stage.
Today, that legacy lives on. CPU continues to champion women’s leadership, amplify their voices, and build a future where everyone can thrive, lead, and make a difference in the world.
Adapted from the Gender and Development (GAD) 2023 Committee Report of Central Philippine University.
Gender and Development Focal Point System and its Composition
The GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) consists of members working together in the University with the goal of accelerating and catalyzing gender mainstreaming. It plans, implements, evaluates, and continually improves GAD plans and programs, activities, and initiatives of the University.
Up to the end of his term in 2023, the University’s GFPS was headed by the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
Currently, the GFPS is headed by President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy. The Vice Presidents and others in the University provide support as shown below:
o Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Head, University President
o Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP- Finance and Enterprises
o Engr. Dany C. Molina, VP- Administration
o Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP- Academic Affairs
o Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP- Student Affairs
o Prof. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Focal Person and Chairperson, University GAD Committee,
and Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
o Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement
o Prof. Maria Fe B. Dequito, Faculty, Senior High School Department
o Prof. Sarex D. Dipol, Jr., Director, Community Engagement and Service-Learning
o Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido, Family Wellness Center Coordinator and Faculty of the
College of Theology
o Prof. Jessalyn F. Fetalsana, Director, Guidance Services Center
o Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia, Assistant Dean, College of Theology
o Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis. Faculty, Religion & Ethics Department
o Prof. Wenmar G. Labra, Faculty, Social Sciences Department
o Dr. Myrna T. Luceño, Faculty, College of Hospitality Management
o Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director, Review and Continuing Education and Consultancy
Center
o Prof. Ernesto S. Saquibal, Jr., Faculty, Social Sciences Department
o Prof. Denie Erwin Tan, Faculty, College of Hospitality Management
o Ms. Krizy Mae C. Vargas, Staff, Human Resource Development Office
o Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Chairperson, Religion and Ethics Department
Gender and Development Office
The GAD Office was previously located at Lopez Building. Currently, the University has a new and bigger one at Room OV109 at the Old Valentine Building. The new location has furniture, equipment, and a meeting area for collaborative work. It houses the advocacy materials, references, and records of the Committee.
In addition, the GAD focal person and Committee have access to various conference rooms, discussion rooms, and other facilities on campus. The provision of a new and bigger office conducive for working demonstrates the support of the University administration to GAD’s advocacy and endeavor. The office is managed by the Chairperson of the GAD Committee.
The GAD Office is strategically located as it is near the offices of the College of Arts and Sciences, Education, and other academic units. It is near both Gates 2 and 3 of the University.
Budget for Gender and Development Program
The provision of budget for GAD is an indication of the University’s seriousness in its endeavors. The annual budget for the GAD program is crafted by the Committee and proposed for approval by the University President.
Programs, Projects, and Activities
Gender-Based Curriculum Development
Gender Research
GAD Response Extension Program
Observance of the following:
March – National Women’s Month
March 8 – International Women’s Day
April 25 – Solo Parents’ Day
May (2nd Sunday) – Mother’s Day
June (3rd Sunday) – Father’s Day
August – Solo Parents’ Day
September 4 – World Sexual Health Day
October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
November 19 – International Men’s Day
November 25 to December 12 – 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women
December 1 – World AIDS Day
Advocacy Campaigns:
Cybercrime Awareness
Ending Violence against Women and Children
Gender Research
Gender Sensitivity
Relevant laws such as the Safe Spaces Act
Women Empowerment
Support Facilities and Services
There are Centers in the University that greatly contribute to the GAD efforts of the University:
1. Family Wellness Center
The Family Wellness Center was established in 1987 through the Katin-aran Center, an outreach center of the Social Work Department. It was later revived and entrusted to the College of Theology. The Family Wellness Center was founded on the premise that the family is the most important social unit. The Center’s goal is to provide preventive, developmental, and educational training to assist and educate families about their strengths.
The Center’s primary purpose is to improve family relationships, through experiential approach in workshop, seminars, and training All programs have a spiritual/theological base with an understanding of the Family System Theory.
The Center conducts Family Life Seminars for couples, parents, singles, youth, pastors and church leaders, schools and community in provinces in Panay. Negros and Mindanao.
2. Birthing Center
CPU started the Birthing Center by networking with all potential stakeholders with the goal of making maternal and childcare more accessible and affordable to the less privileged. The facility, with one birthing room also has a prenatal/examining room, a ward which can serve three to four patients concurrently, an admitting section, a records and business office, a doctor’s room, an autoclave room, a storage room and a laundry area. The Center also provides mothers’ classes. The adjoining building houses the CPU Clinical Laboratory. which can also cater to the patients admitted in this Center.
The Birthing Center joins health education programs such as this one: https://cpu.edu.ph/news/empowering-tomorrows-generation-cpu-school-of-graduate-studies-college-of-nursing-kabalaka-reproductive-health-and-birthing-centers-health-education-to-learners-of-binaba-an-national-high/
3. Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center
The community outreach program started by Dr. Dorothy Pulido paved the way for the start of Kabalaka. The Center was started during the term of College of Nursing Dean Natividad Caipang who was appointed as dean starting May 1972.
The Center provides family planning and other related community engagement services. Kabalaka serves both men and women and conducts activities such as circumcision, HIV-AIDS awareness campaign, and similar programs.
Kabalaka joins health education programs such as this one:
In 2024, the Center was renamed after Dean Caipang:
https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV/videos/555650923783578
Key References
a. CPU Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Vision/ mission: https://cpu.edu.ph/about-us/vision-mission/
Core values: https://cpu.edu.ph/about-us/core-values/
b. Philippine Laws Related to Gender and Development
Law Title
RA 9710 Magna Carta of Women (2009)
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2009/08/14/republic-act-no-9710-2/
RA 9262 Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (2004)
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/03/08/republic-act-no-9262/
RA 11313 Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law, 2019)
https://ppp.gov.ph/press_releases/republic-act-no-11313-or-the-safe-spaces-act-bawal-bastos-law/
RA 11648 Anti-Rape Law
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/94255
RA 7877 Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (1995)
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/2826
RA 11861 Solo Parents’ Welfare Act (2022)
https://cpu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/RA-11861-Expanded-Solo-Parents-Welfare-Act.pdf
RA 9208 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (2003)
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/317
RA 10354 Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (RH Law, 2012)
https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-act-10354/
c. CHED Memorandum Order 1 s. 2015
https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CMO-no.-01-s.-2015.pdf
d. UN Sustainable Development Goals
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
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To contact the CPU Gender and Development Office:
Tel. 63 33 3291971 local 3250
Email gadoffice@cpu.edu.ph