By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Located at Room OV109 in the Old Valentine Building, CPU’s Gender and Development Office serves as a hub for advocacy, collaboration, and the university’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
Central Philippine University (CPU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, plays a pivotal role in fostering a campus environment rooted in gender equality and inclusion. Dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and education, the office actively works to eliminate gender-based discrimination and cultivate a space where every individual can thrive by implementing a wide range of programs and initiatives to build a gender-sensitive and inclusive community.
Since its establishment, CPU has been a leader in promoting gender equality, with early contributions from influential women like Mary J. Tomas and Linnea Nelson. Today, the GAD Office continues to honor this legacy by ensuring that the university operates under a clear Gender and Development Policy, reinforcing its commitment to equal opportunities for all members of the CPU community.
“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,” as stated in the official website of CPU.
The GAD Office also oversees several important programs and activities that foster gender equality both within the university and in the surrounding community. These programs include Gender-Based Curriculum Development, which integrates gender perspectives into various academic courses; Gender Research, which supports research addressing gender-related issues; and the GAD Response Extension Program, an outreach initiative that promotes gender awareness and empowerment in local communities.
Aside from the aforesaid programs, the office also observes several important dates throughout the year to raise awareness and advocate for gender-related causes. These include March as National Women’s Month, March 8 for International Women’s Day, April 25 for Solo Parents’ Day, May (2nd Sunday) for Mother’s Day, and June (3rd Sunday) for Father’s Day. In addition, they observe August for Solo Parents’ Day, September 4 for World Sexual Health Day, October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, November 19 for International Men’s Day, and the November 25 to December 12 period for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. The office also observes December 1 for World AIDS Day, ensuring that these key events help raise awareness and foster important discussions within the CPU community.
In its advocacy efforts, the GAD Office actively campaigns on critical issues such as Cybercrime Awareness, Ending Violence Against Women and Children, Gender Sensitivity, Gender Research, and Women Empowerment. The office also works to raise awareness about relevant laws like the Safe Spaces Act, which ensures that individuals can thrive without fear of gender-based violence or discrimination.
Currently, the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) is headed by University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. He is supported by key university officials including Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs. The focal person and chairperson of the University GAD Committee is Prof. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, who also serves as a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The GFPS is further strengthened by active members from various departments and units, including Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement; Prof. Maria Fe B. Dequito, Faculty of the Senior High School Department; Prof. Sarex D. Dipol, Jr., Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center; Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido, Family Wellness Center Coordinator and faculty of the College of Theology; Prof. Jessalyn F. Fetalsana, Director of the Guidance Services Center; Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia, Assistant Dean of the College of Law; Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis, faculty of the Religion and Ethics Department; Prof. Wenmar G. Labra, faculty of the Social Sciences Department; Dr. Myrna T. Luceño, faculty of the College of Hospitality Management; Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director of the Review and Continuing Education and Consultancy Center; Prof. Ernesto S. Saquibal, Jr., faculty of the Social Sciences Department; Prof. Denie Erwin Tan, faculty of the College of Hospitality Management; Ms. Krizy Mae C. Vargas, staff of the Human Resource Development Office; and Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Chairperson of the Religion and Ethics Department.
Now located at Room OV109 in the Old Valentine Building, the GAD Office features expanded space, complete furnishings, and a meeting area for collaborative planning. It stores advocacy materials, references, and official records of the committee. Its new location reflects the administration’s strong support for GAD’s initiatives. The office is managed by the Chairperson of the GAD Committee and has access to various campus facilities for events and meetings.
With such strong leadership and commitment, the GAD Office continues to empower the CPU community, creating a university where gender equality is actively promoted, where individuals are educated about their rights, and where opportunities for personal and professional growth are accessible to all. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, the GAD Office ensures that CPU remains a leader in promoting gender equality in higher education.
To know more about CPU’s Gender and Development Office, visit: https://cpu.edu.ph/gender-and-development/