Demonstrating its continuing commitment to gender equality and inclusive education, the University of Baguio actively participated in the Cordillera Higher Education Advocates’ Network for Gender Equality (CHANGE) Learning and Development (LEAD) Webinar Series: Episode 1, which provided policy updates, reinforced awareness of GAD mandates, and introduced effective strategies for integrating gender perspectives into institutional policies and academic programs.
Held on July 30, 2026, the first installment of the CHANGE LEAD Webinar Series aimed to enhance the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in advancing Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming. The webinar was organized by the Cordillera Higher Education Advocates’ Network for Gender Equality (CHANGE) in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) and spearheaded by Benguet State University (BSU) through its Gender and Development Office.
The university was represented by esteemed deans, program chairs, faculty members, and other educational personnel and representatives who participated, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to strengthening gender and development initiatives and promoting a gender-responsive academic community.
Reinforcing the GAD Way for Future Leaders and Advocates of Change
During the session, participants were reoriented on CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1, Series of 2015, the mandates of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and other relevant national and international frameworks that promote gender equality and GAD mainstreaming. The discussions brought out best practices, techniques, and viable information, all while highlighting practical approaches to integrating gender-responsive perspectives into the curriculum, enabling HEIs to further strengthen inclusive learning environments and academic programs.
Alt Text: Screenshots from esteemed University of Baguio participants and academic leaders during the first installment of the Gender and Development Webinar Series for HEIs
The webinar featured three keynote presentations delivered by experts in Gender and Development (GAD):
- The first session, “Provisions and Highlights of CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2015: Mandates and Guidelines,” was presented by Ms. Melody C. Labawig, who provided participants with an overview of the policy framework guiding GAD implementation in higher education institutions.
- This was followed by Mr. Jude L. Tayaben, who discussed the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and its mandate, highlighting the Commission’s role in promoting gender equality and overseeing the implementation of GAD policies in the country.
- The final session was delivered by Ms. Imelda G. Parcasio, who shared practical strategies on gender and development integration in the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of embedding gender-responsive perspectives into teaching, learning, and curriculum development to foster inclusive and equitable educational environments.
The webinar also served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices among higher education institutions across the Cordillera Administrative Region. It brought together GAD Focal Point System members, faculty, curriculum committees, and other personnel involved in institutional gender and development initiatives. Throughout the discussions, participants from various higher education institutions actively shared their experiences and successful GAD practices, fostering meaningful collaboration and mutual learning.
Additionally, by showcasing excellent GAD initiatives and best practices they had seen during institutional monitoring and evaluation activities in various higher education institutions, the resource speakers enhanced the conversations. These real-world examples demonstrated successful tactics and creative methods that participants could modify to improve gender mainstreaming and GAD implementation in their respective institutions.
At its core, UB remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and gender-responsive educational environment. It leads towards exemplary actions and planning that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, and 17. Active participation in initiatives such as the CHANGE LEAD Webinar Series continues to support national efforts to advance gender equality and empower its academic community to become advocates of inclusive excellence.
