As first-year students and new faculty members embark on their campus journey, introducing the Southern Luzon State University’s (SLSU) various facets is central to their experiences. One of these is the university’s continuing role in promoting gender awareness, as seen in the recently concluded Gender and Development (GAD) seminar, organized by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in coordination with the Gender and Development (GAD) Office on April 29, 2026.
In line with the GAD Office’s annual gender and development plan and budget, the activity targeted first-year students and new faculty members, which is aimed at providing GAD concepts in response to the gap issue in our generation, particularly individuals who do not have adequate access to gender equality education.
“We are conducting this not only to implement our approved annual GAD Plan and Budget, but more importantly, to further raise awareness on Gender and Development, as well as promote sensitivity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, and employees in the College of Arts and Sciences. Through this, we hope to empower them and inspire them to empower others as well,” Dr. Noreen P. Echague, GAD Coordinator, CAS.
With the theme, “Equal Space, Equal Future: Understanding Gender-Equality For a Safe Space Campus,” the first session (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) was catered to Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and Bachelor of Arts in History students with the discussion of Assoc. Prof. Gino A. Cabrera, a certified member of the regional GAD resource pool on the Magna Carta of Women. This essential national law mandates higher education institutions to integrate gender perspectives into policies, programs, and capacity-building initiatives for students and staff alike.
The noon session (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) proceeded with Bachelor of Arts in Psychology students and new CAS faculty members. Ms. Myra T. Querijero, GAD Coordinator for the College of Administration, Business, Hospitality, and Accountancy (CABHA), led a dialogue on Basic GAD Concepts. She emphasized identifying gender barriers, stereotypes, and misconceptions, and shared practical ways to effectively avoid these biases.
Finally, Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics students participated in the 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM session. Assoc. Prof. Rene P. Zubieto, GAD Director, shared insights on Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education, emphasizing that respect and kindness are powerful tools in the process of embracing student diversity.
Looking ahead, CAS-GAD is already planning succeeding seminars and other projects for the next academic year, targeting second- and third-year students, faculty, and staff for the seminars, and all students for other initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure the continuous development of student awareness and uphold the university’s institutional commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.
“We are conducting this not only to implement our approved annual GAD Plan and Budget, but more importantly, to further raise awareness on Gender and Development, as well as promote sensitivity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, and employees in the College of Arts and Sciences. Through this, we hope to empower them and inspire them to empower others as well,” Dr. Noreen P. Echague, GAD Coordinator, CAS.
With the theme, “Equal Space, Equal Future: Understanding Gender-Equality For a Safe Space Campus,” the first session (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) was catered to Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and Bachelor of Arts in History students with the discussion of Assoc. Prof. Gino A. Cabrera, a certified member of the regional GAD resource pool on the Magna Carta of Women. This essential national law mandates higher education institutions to integrate gender perspectives into policies, programs, and capacity-building initiatives for students and staff alike.
The noon session (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) proceeded with Bachelor of Arts in Psychology students and new CAS faculty members. Ms. Myra T. Querijero, GAD Coordinator for the College of Administration, Business, Hospitality, and Accountancy (CABHA), led a dialogue on Basic GAD Concepts. She emphasized identifying gender barriers, stereotypes, and misconceptions, and shared practical ways to effectively avoid these biases.
Finally, Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics students participated in the 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM session. Assoc. Prof. Rene P. Zubieto, GAD Director, shared insights on Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education, emphasizing that respect and kindness are powerful tools in the process of embracing student diversity.
Looking ahead, CAS-GAD is already planning succeeding seminars and other projects for the next academic year, targeting second- and third-year students, faculty, and staff for the seminars, and all students for other initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure the continuous development of student awareness and uphold the university’s institutional commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.
Article and layout: Nica Rowella Nanong
Photos: Justin Diala
Photos: Justin Diala