Saint Louis University (SLU) welcomed Bicol University Center for Gender and Development officers (BU CGAD) for benchmarking centered on SLU’s Gender and Development (GAD) Program, specifically gender mainstreaming. The event was held on 26 September 2024 at the SLU Talged Center.
SLU GAD Committee Chairperson and SLU Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director, Ms. Triceayn Marie D. Prestousa, MS Psych, introduced the SLU GAD program. Joining Ms. Prestousa in the discussion were the SLU GAD committee co-chairperson, Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) Director, and University Information Officer, Atty. Johanne Margarette Macob; GAD committee member and School of Law (SOL) Dean, Atty. Yasmine Lee R. Tadeo; representatives from SLU Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW), Ms. Nerisa Gonzalo and Ms. Mary Catherine Pena; SLU Talged Center consultant, Ms. Geraldine Sanil; and SLU Talged Center Assistant, Ms. Justine Latawan.
Ms. Prestousa gave a short background on the SLU GAD Program emphasizing that the initial goal of the SLU GAD program is to navigate the role of GAD initiatives in the lives of SLU employees, students, and all stakeholders. The program also raises awareness on gender responsiveness and gender stereotyping.
In line with the SLU GAD initiatives, the university released an updated version of the Dress Code Policy early this year in line with the University’s commitment to genuine and inclusive development, extending the understanding of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Bill. Regarding facilities, the university also took a step to equalize the opportunities for all Louisians in safe spaces like the Gender Inclusive Restrooms, located at the Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus. “We uphold the respect for human dignity,” Ms. Prestousa said. Meanwhile, SOL Dean, Atty. Tadeo, also mentioned various practices at the School of Law that champion gender sensitivity.
After sharing the insights and concepts of the SLU GAD Program, BU CGAD Director, Noel R. Rafer, PhD, Prof. VI, shared takeaways from the university’s GAD program. These were affirmed by the BU GAD Coordinators from various units including Ma. Victoria M. Monte, PhD (College of Education), Odette R. Gonzales, PhD (College of Nursing), Mr. Jaymar L. Bonaobra (College of Science), Mr. Mark M. Gatus (College of Social Science and Philosophy), Mr. Jeson Balingbing (Gubat), Jessie M. Robredo (Open University and Graduate School), Ms. Kay G. Losabia (Institute of Good Governance), Mr. Albert B. Balace (Tabaco), Ms. Cecilla Rosa Patiam (Guinobatan), Mr. Robert John G. Lood (Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation ), Maritoni A. Cañaveral, PhD (Health Services), and Center for Gender and Development R&D Support Staff Ms. Gretchen B. Millena.
Through collaborative benchmarking, the BU CGAD, represented by Ms. Millena, shared their best practices in the field. She imparted Bicol University’s major GAD programs, which include GAD Advocacy and Capacity Building. The presentation provided an overview of the BU CGAD framework, organizational structure, financial outlines, GAD manuals, and social proof of their community involvement. The presentation of BU CGAD’s best practices introduced vital concepts to the SLU GAD Council, aimed at enhancing services and expanding opportunities for the Louisian community.
Thereafter, the BU delegates were toured around the Talged Center– the University’s safe haven for students and employees.
Saint Louis University’s partnership with Bicol University opens opportunities for future benchmarking initiatives set on advancing the academic and humanitarian system. This collaboration further strengthens SLU’s commitment to the CICM Advocacy for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Aligned with this vision, SLU reaffirms its dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The GAD initiatives also align with the CICM Advocacy of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. (Article by Shane Gamboa, OGRAA Intern | Photos by Agnes Dela Peña, UIO Intern)
