By Mikee Natinga Norico

Attendees pose for a group photo with Dr. Hazel P. Villa (seated, 2nd from left), Director of the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Communications Office of WVSU–Main Campus, and Dr. Ma. Arlen F. Arellado (seated, 3rd from left), DLMCH faculty, after the successful lecture on “Language and Gender.”

On October 27, 2025, the Department of Languages, Mass Communications, and Humanities (DLMCH) of Central Philippine University (CPU) conducted a lecture titled “Language and Gender: Implications on Social, Academic, and Workplace Contexts” at the Henry Luce III Library, American Corner.

The program began with an opening prayer led by Jaden Bautista (BAELS 3rd Year), followed by the opening remarks of Dr. Annalee L. Cocjin, Department Chairperson of DLMCH. This was succeeded by the singing of the National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song.

The lecture featured Dr. Hazel P. Villa, Director of the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Communications Office of West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Main Campus, who served as the resource speaker. Dr. Villa discussed how language reflects, reinforces, and challenges gender roles in various social, academic, and professional settings. Her talk emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive communication and its role in promoting inclusivity and equality.

The event gathered Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BA ELS) students from first to fourth year, who actively participated in the discussion. During the open forum, attendees had the opportunity to raise questions and share insights related to the topic.

In closing, Excel Hope Fara-on (BAELS 4th Year) delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to Dr. Villa for sharing her expertise and to the department for organizing the insightful lecture.

The activity served as a platform for CPU students to deepen their understanding of the intersection between language and gender, fostering awareness of linguistic sensitivity and inclusivity across various contexts.