Recognizing the expertise of the University of Northern Philippines’ Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) in gender and development, the City of Vigan partnered with UNP to provide critical insights and facilitate discussions at a Seminar-Workshop on Gender Orientation. The event, dubbed as “EMPOWHER,” organized by CGAD was held on March 6, 2025, at Vigan Convention.

Atty. Kathryn Louise Eder, CGAD OIC Director, highlighted the program’s alignment with the national Women’s Month 2025 theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” and its dedication to safeguarding women’s human rights. CGAD’s active involvement reinforces UNP’s Developmental Goal #5 of integrating gender equality.

Dr. Mae Oliva Piano, Coordinator for Training, Advocacy & Extension, discussed gender concepts and emphasized how to understand and help promote, support individual identity while dismantling systems of inequality. Atty. Christian Casildo, Coordinator for Research, on his talk, focused on the laws that protect women.

Additionally, this program supports UNP’s broader objective of expanding its community outreach initiatives, ensuring that the University’s commitment to gender equality extends beyond the campus and reaches individuals in the larger community who need assistance and education.

Article by Mae Piano.