Bukidnon State University among Top Performers in Gender Budget Utilization

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) recognized Bukidnon State University (BukSU) as one of the top-performing agencies in the utilization of the Gender and Development (GAD) budget for fiscal year 2024.

At the first recognition event for top performers in the GAD budget, held September 25, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, BukSU ranked 8th among state universities and colleges (SUCs) with the Highest GAD Budget Expenditure and 3rd in the Highest Attributed Expenditure category.

The award was received on behalf of the university by Dr. Helen P. Garcia, Director of the Planning and Development Unit, and Ms. Katherine Lou P. Bandas, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance. Both are part of BukSU’s GAD Focal Point System technical working group.

According to the PCW, the Highest GAD Budget Expenditure category refers to agencies and SUCs with the largest actual use of their allocated GAD funds. Meanwhile, the Highest Attributed Expenditure category covers agencies and SUCs with the largest spending on regular programs that integrate gender mainstreaming, where part of the cost is credited toward GAD.

“BukSU takes pride in being recognized for turning resources into meaningful actions that promote empowerment and equality,” said BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol.

The PCW recognition program forms part of the government’s accountability and transparency mechanism under the Magna Carta of Women, which requires agencies to allocate at least 5% of their budgets for gender-related programs.

PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla said the GAD budget reached P2.1 trillion in 2024. “At least 5% from the GAA (General Appropriations Act) in 1995 was the first budget for women,” she said, noting how gender-focused allocations have grown into a multi-trillion peso resource.

“Today’s event not only as a recognition of the efficient use of the GAD Budget as mandated by the Magna Carta of Women, but also as an acknowledgement of agencies that have truly walked the talk – those that allocated resources beyond the minimum 5% and demonstrated concrete, sustained commitments to gender equality and women’s human rights,” said Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Atty. Richard Palpal-Latoc.

According to the PCW’s 2024 Annual Accomplishment Report, 66.66% of targeted national government agencies improved their gender mainstreaming performance, exceeding the commission’s target of 50%. The PCW also reported that 81.31% of submitted GAD plans and budgets were reviewed within 30 working days, surpassing the 30% target.

As for BukSU, the university ensures that gender perspective is used across its core functions and processes, programs and activities, warranting the adoption of gender mainstreaming as a strategy of the university to achieve gender equality and women empowerment.