Strengthening its advocacy for safe and inclusive education, the University of Northern Philippines, through the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), kicked off the first leg of G.A.B.A.Y. (Gender-Based Anti-Bullying Advocacy for the Youth) at Napo Elementary School in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on July 16, 2026.
A key highlight of the activity was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between UNP-CGAD and Napo Elementary School, forging a strategic partnership to promote gender-responsive education and cultivate a safe, inclusive, and bullying-free school community. The agreement was formalized by Atty. Katrynn Louise Eder, Director of UNP-CGAD, and Jeffrey Tubon, Officer-in-Charge of Napo Elementary School.
The extension program brought together students, teachers, and parents, reflecting UNP-CGAD’s commitment to a whole-community approach to gender advocacy and child protection. Through separate sessions for learners, educators, and families, the initiative reinforced the shared responsibility of creating safe, inclusive, and bullying-free environments where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
The program featured a lecture from Ms. Renee Grace Tungpalan, CGAD Research Coordinator, who explored the foundations of Gender and Development concepts, principles and the various forms of bullying, particularly those rooted in gender-based discrimination. Her discussion provided participants with a deeper appreciation of gender-responsive approaches while strengthening their capacity to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying. By engaging students, teachers, and parents, the session reinforced their shared responsibility as advocates for safe, inclusive, and empowering communities for the youth.
Complementing this discussion, Ms. Charlene Calbero, Guidance Counselor from the Office of Student Affairs and Services, delivered a lecture on Psychological Interventions: Responding to and Managing Incidents of Bullying. Her presentation equipped participants with practical strategies for identifying the psychological impact of bullying on victims, as well as appropriate interventions that students, teachers, and parents can employ in responding to and managing such incidents.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for CGAD as it begins the rollout of its broader advocacy program to partner schools in the region. Through the “Gender-Based Anti-Bullying Advocacy for the Youth” program, CGAD reaffirms UNP’s commitment to community extension work that champions gender sensitivity, child welfare, and inclusive education.
The MOA signing between UNP-CGAD and Napo Elementary School paves the way for further collaborative activities, reinforcing the shared vision of both institutions to nurture a generation of learners who are not only academically equipped but also socially and emotionally empowered to stand against discrimination and bullying in all its forms.
