By Mikee Natinga Norico

Key leaders and advocates for gender development at CPU gather for a group photo during the successful GAD Orientation held on November 12, 2024. (From left to righ): Dr. Jelvit Amor Alicante (Chairperson, GAD Office), Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate (VP for Student Affairs), Dr. Emily A. Dela Cruz (Resource Speaker and Director, Gender Center, Iloilo Science and Technology University), Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (University President), Dr. Florence P. Bogacia (VP for Finance & Enterprises), Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho (Director, RCECC), and Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador (Director, Office for Institutional Advancement).

The Gender and Development (GAD) Orientation at Central Philippine University, held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Conference Room of the Henry Luce III Library, concluded as a resounding success. Running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the event united both academic and non-academic leaders for a full day of transformative discussions aimed at promoting inclusivity, awareness, and gender equity within the university community.

The orientation featured keynote speaker Dr. Emily A. Dela Cruz, Director of the Gender Center at Iloilo Science and Technology University, whose insights sparked meaningful dialogue on gender issues and inspired participants to champion an inclusive campus environment. Dr. Dela Cruz’s expertise and dynamic approach provided a strong foundation for the session, highlighting the impact of gender-aware policies and practices in educational institutions.

The CPU Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC) extended gratitude to all attendees, recognizing their active engagement and commitment to fostering gender sensitivity and inclusivity at CPU. Special acknowledgments were extended to Dr. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Chairperson and Focal Person of the CPU GAD Committee, and to RCECC Director Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in the program’s success.

University President Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, alongside key members of the GAD Committee, emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving a gender-sensitive campus. CPU’s administrative and academic heads played a significant role in reinforcing the university’s dedication to gender and development initiatives, underscoring a collaborative spirit.

The success of the GAD Orientation was made possible by the following individuals:

GAD Committee:

• Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President
• Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Finance and Enterprises
• Engr. Dany C. Molina, VP for Administration
• Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs
• Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs

GAD Committee Members:

• Dr. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Chairperson/Focal Person
• Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador
• Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido
• Prof. Sarex D. Dipol Jr.
• Atty. Lizalyn S. Lamason – Garcia
• Dr. Myrna T. Luceno
• Prof. Jessalyn F. Fetalsana
• Prof. Wenmar G. Labra
• Prof. Mary Grace F. Labis
• Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho
• Prof. Ernesto S. Saquibal Jr.
• Prof. Dennie Erwin Tan
• Ms. Krizy Mae C. Vargas
• Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza
• Prof. Maria Fe B. Dequito

RCECC Committee:

• Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, RCECC Director
• Mrs. Pinky L. Tongol, Secretary
• Roleh John Dingcong
• Daisy Mae Esmama
• Lara Joy Villarosa
• Angelo Gayagaya

The event marked an important step forward in CPU’s mission to build a supportive, inclusive campus, dedicated to upholding gender-sensitive values. The GAD Orientation not only strengthened the university’s commitment to gender development but also underscored CPU’s proactive role in fostering a community where equity and respect prevail.