The University of Northern Philippines, through its Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), reinforced its commitment to build a more inclusive and gender-responsive institution as it conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) Orientation for unit GAD focal persons on August 13, 2026 at the Old Registrar’s Office.
The orientation brought together 36 unit coordinators who serve as GAD focal persons in the University, providing them with updated knowledge, practical guidance, and a venue for strengthening their roles in advancing gender equality and inclusivity within their respective units.
The activity aimed to refresh the focal persons’ commitment to gender mainstreaming while strengthening their capacity to identify gender issues, perform their responsibilities effectively, and develop practices that promote a more equitable and inclusive university environment.
In her opening remarks, Atty. Kathrynn Louise Eder, Director of the Center for Gender and Development, emphasized that gender mainstreaming must be understood as a shared institutional responsibility rather than the sole mandate of the CGAD.
“Mainstreaming is not only the task of one office but the task of all offices,” Atty. Eder emphasized, calling on the participants to actively contribute to create an environment where gender responsiveness becomes an integral part of University operations.
She further challenged the participants to “build a more inclusive University,” emphasizing the critical role of every unit and GAD focal person in translating gender and development principles into concrete actions and practices.
The first learning session, delivered by Dr. Ma. Jesusa Unciano, focused on Gender Mainstreaming in a State University. The session provided participants with a deeper understanding of gender mainstreaming as an institutional approach and highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives into policies, programs, activities, and services.
Dr. Unciano’s discussion highlighted the need for GAD focal persons to move beyond viewing gender concerns as isolated issues and instead recognize them as integral considerations in planning, implementation, decision-making, and service delivery within the University.
For the second learning session, Atty. Eder discussed University Gender and Development Policies and Unit GAD Focal Persons as Agents of Gender Mainstreaming: Roles and Responsibilities.
The session clarified the responsibilities of unit GAD focal persons and emphasized their role as key actors in identifying gender-related concerns, promoting gender-responsive practices, and supporting the implementation of the University’s GAD policies and programs.
Beyond acquiring knowledge, the orientation served as a platform for participants to exchange insights, identify gender issues within their respective units, and consider appropriate strategies and best practices that can strengthen gender responsiveness in the University.
