BukSU Strengthens GAD Agenda

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) pursued a more equitable, gender-accountable future for its campuses, with student voices and the university workforce at the forefront of its Gender and Development (GAD) agenda held on July 16-18, 2025, at the 4^th floor Conference Hall of the Research and Extension Building.

“The formulation of the Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda is a vital step in institutionalizing gender mainstreaming in BukSU. Anchored on the mandates of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD), and CHED Memorandum Order No. 01, s. 2015, the GAD Agenda will serve as the university’s strategic framework in addressing gender issues through inclusive, sustainable, and data-driven programs. It will define BukSU’s gender equality goals, priority programs, and implementation strategies over a multi-year period,” Dr. Marichu B. Montecillo, BukSU GFPS GAD Focal Committee Chair.

Dr. Marianne P. Villaruel, point person from the Philippine Commission on Women National GAD Resource Program (PCW NGRP), provided a participatory workshop on gender analysis, strategic planning, and institutional gender mainstreaming.

Carlo Jacky Ellevera, the Supreme Student Council President, in his role and contributions in the workshop, is to advocate for students and ensure their perspectives on gender equality are central to the GAD agenda.

“As the student representative, my main contribution to this workshop is to ensure student voices are heard and fairly represented throughout its creation. We aim to be the primary channel for student concerns, guaranteeing their perspectives are well-noted and integrated. Once the final draft is approved, we can then implement gender-fair initiatives that reflect student needs,” he said.

Rosanna S. Generato, Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, outlined practical steps for integrating the agenda throughout BukSU.

“To ensure the GAD agenda permeates the organization, we will implement specific strategies, including assigning user roles for sex-disaggregated data (SDD) access, training focal points, and disseminating essential toolkits and guidelines. Capacity building via workshops like “Planning with SDD” is crucial, as is a GAD Partner Mapping exercise to formalize collaborations. Ultimately, the GAD agenda will be institutionalized through updated manuals, planning checklists, and quarterly community consultations to ensure continuous engagement and feedback,” she shared.

Faculty Regent Engr. Amber Paguray, Public Administration faculty member, shared an experience that is committed to gender-fair teaching practices within the classroom, dismantling gender stereotypes, and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

“In my classes in Public Administration, where we prepare students to be future leaders and advocates of good governance, I ensure that everyone has a fair chance to speak, lead, and participate. For instance, during class recitations or discussions, I intentionally give equal chances for male and female students to answer. I also include those who identify as LGBTQ+, ensuring that they are not excluded or treated differently. I believe in inclusivity, and I do not favor or prioritize one gender over another,” he expressed.

The proactive participation and the comprehensive strategies of the BukSU community highlighted a strong institutional resolve to champion gender equality.

Follow-up consultation to PCW will take place after the face-to-face workshops. (Aljun Jay Curan, Danielle Bersosa, Genavev  Labora, BukSU IU Interns)