The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) benchmarked the gender and development (GAD) initiatives of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) through a learning and sharing session hosted by the UNP Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) on September 12, 2025.
The activity aimed to strengthen institutional GAD mechanisms by learning from UNP’s established programs, policies, and advocacies.
Atty. Katrynn Louise Eder, Officer-in-Charge of CGAD, opened the session by presenting the profile, herstory, and mandates of CGAD, tracing its role in advancing gender mainstreaming within the University. She highlighted CGAD’s institutional journey as a driver of gender equality and inclusivity in higher education.
Meanwhile, Atty. Christian Casildo, Coordinator for Training, Extension, and Advocacy, expounded on UNP’s GAD policies, emphasizing their role in ensuring compliance with national mandates and in fostering a gender-sensitive academic environment.
Prof. Maria Cresalyn Betita, Coordinator for Publication and Resource Collection, shared insights on curriculum integration, training, and advocacy efforts, underscoring the importance of embedding gender perspectives across academic and co-curricular programs.
Complementing these discussions, Ms. Renee Grace Tungpalan, Coordinator for Research, tackled research, extension, and linkages, stressing the significance of partnerships and scholarly contributions in sustaining GAD efforts.
Representing DMMMSU were GAD leaders and focal persons from across its campuses and units: Prof. Marlyn Amante, Head, Mid La Union Campus; Prof. Macrina Batoon, Head, North La Union Campus; Prof. Aprille Joyce Galiste, Coordinator; Prof. Delia Lopez, focal person, DMMMSU SRDI; Prof. Sherlyn Marie Altuna, DMMMSU CA; Prof. Ces Myra Mabalut, GAD Head; Prof. Cecilla Sanchez, Head, GAD South La Union Campus; and Ms. Joy Fatima Sagun, GAD Staff.
Also present from UNP were CGAD office assistant Strawberry Dario and other staff who supported the activity.
The benchmarking activity fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two state universities, affirming their shared commitment to advance gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment in higher education institutions.
The UNP Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) earned its certification as a Gender Training Center from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on December 6, 2022, and continues to uphold this distinction. Notably, UNP remains the only state university in the country with a PCW-certified gender training program.
