The Regional Gender and Development Committee – CAR (RGADC-CAR) honored Saint Louis University (SLU) for its significant efforts in raising the standards of Cordillera gender equality and women’s empowerment besting over 1,000 colleges and Universities worldwide in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality. Of the six higher education institutions in the Region honored by the RGADC-CAR, SLU gained the highest rank in the THE on gender equality.
The award was presented on 28 March 2025 at the DPWH-CAR Multi-purpose Hall, Baguio City, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration.
On behalf of University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM, PhD, the chair and co-chair of the University GAD Committee– Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director Triceayn Marie De Guzman-Prestousa and Office for Legal Affairs Director Johanne Margarette R. Macob– accepted the award.
In the acceptance speech, Ms. De Guzman-Prestousa stated, “The reason why we are doing this would be because of our core values. When we say that we are inclusive, when we say that we embrace diversity, it should not just be in our policies, in our documents. It has to be seen by our students and our employees.”
RGADC-CAR commended SLU for its unwavering commitment to gender equality and its efforts to foster a just and equitable society.
“Academic institutions play a crucial role in shaping the perspective of this next generation. And by fostering gender-sensitive environments, you provide the environment where these students can be empowered and become gender advocates. They are ensuring that future leaders and professionals uphold the values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all,” Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas, CESO IV, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Standards and Capacity Building Group emphasized.
SLU remains at the forefront of fostering inclusivity, establishing a standard for higher education institutions while driving meaningful and enduring social change through its ongoing initiatives. In nurturing women’s empowerment and cultivating an inclusive academic environment, this recognition strengthens SLU’s dedication to promoting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article and photos by Kyla Moreno, UIO Intern)
