The Commission on Higher Education Region 1, in partnership with the University of Northern Philippines, convened Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons and advocates from across the region for the “Higher Education Conference on Gender Issues” on November 18, 2025.
Anchored on the theme “From Policy to Practice: Capacitating GAD Focal Persons in Ensuring Safe Spaces in Higher Educational Institutions,” the conference sought to enhance participants’ understanding of key gender-related policies and strengthen their implementation across campuses. Sessions revisited the Safe Spaces Act and CHED Memorandum Order No. 3, emphasizing how these frameworks can be effectively translated into actionable programs within higher education institutions. The discussions also confronted persistent concerns—including sexual harassment, gender stereotyping, and discrimination—with the goal of equipping GAD focal persons to foster safer and more inclusive academic environments.
The event highlighted the unified commitment of higher education institutions to foster gender-sensitive campuses and strengthen a culture of respect, inclusivity, and safety. In his inspirational message, UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna reaffirmed the University’s dedication to these goals, expressing optimism for continued collaboration with CHED. He emphasized the importance of sustaining impactful initiatives that advance gender equality and protect the rights and welfare of women and other vulnerable sectors within the academic community.
Key resource speakers enriched the conference with timely and expert perspectives. Atty. Rozzanne Victoria Buccat-Villamin, Director of Legal Services at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, provided a thorough discussion on the legal foundations of the Safe Spaces Act and other related gender-protection policies, stressing their crucial role in safeguarding members of academic communities. Meanwhile, Dr. Angelica Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist and CHED RO1 GAD Focal Person, outlined CHED’s policies and guidelines on promoting gender equality in higher education. She highlighted the need for sustained institutional commitment and strategic, policy-driven planning to ensure that gender-responsive initiatives are fully implemented and effectively maintained across campuses.
Dr. Sherlyn Nitura, GAD Director of DMMMSU, provided a detailed walkthrough of the institution’s protocols for managing sexual harassment cases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparent, victim-centered procedures. She emphasized that robust reporting and investigative mechanisms are essential not only for safeguarding survivors but also for ensuring accountability within higher education institutions.
