Promoting a more inclusive and gender-responsive academic community, the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) and the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) rolled out “Grow with GAD,” a campus-wide orientation that familiarized UNP students with the fundamentals of Gender and Development. Conducted from December 2 to 5, 2025, at the UNP Gymnasium, the program underscored the university’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment by deepening student understanding of key GAD policies and principles.
The program formally opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Mariano Paterno Avila, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, who emphasized the importance of the gender and development orientation in shaping students to become responsible and inclusive members of the University community. He stressed that understanding gender perspectives is essential to student growth, leadership, and awareness.
This was followed by an inspirational message from Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to provide a learning environment where respect, inclusivity, and safety are upheld. Dr. Navarro highlighted that fostering a campus culture free from discrimination is a shared responsibility, and that the University continues to strengthen programs that protect the rights and dignity of every student.
At the heart of the program were two key learning sessions that broadened students’ understanding of gender and development. The first session, titled “GAD Primer: Basic Concepts and Principles of Gender and Development,” introduced fundamental ideas on gender sensitivity, equality, and rights-based approaches. It was facilitated by the University’s GAD pool of experts, namely Dr. Efren Galapon, Ms. Renee Grace Tungpalan, Prof. Randolfo Lopez, Ms. Glenny Barrientos, Ms. Bernadeth Canoy, Dr. Cherry Banilad, and Dr. Ma. Jesusa Unciano, together with Mr. Froilan Unciano.
The orientation continued with a second session that provided an overview of the University’s prevailing GAD guidelines and protocols. Led by UNP’s legal and academic GAD authorities, Atty. Katrynn Louise Eder, Officer-in-Charge of the Center for Gender and Development; and Atty. Christian Casildo, Coordinator for Extension, Training and Advocacy, the discussion highlighted institutional policies that ensure a safe, equitable, and gender-responsive academic environment for all students.
In her closing remarks, Atty. Eder, called on students to become proactive champions of gender equality, stressing that the full realization of a gender-fair community depends on the active participation of every member of the University. She highlighted that embracing gender sensitivity is not only about awareness but also about translating knowledge into everyday actions that promote respect, inclusion, and fairness.
The event accentuated the University of Northern Philippines’ sustained commitment to gender mainstreaming, aiming to cultivate an academic environment where all students feel safe, valued, and empowered. By integrating these principles into campus life, UNP continues to nurture a culture that challenges discrimination, upholds human rights, and inspires students to become advocates for social change both within the University and in the broader community.
