National evaluators assess BukSU gender initiatives for GADTimpala

After Bukidnon State University (BukSU) was shortlisted for the GADTimpala Awards, national evaluators from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) visited Bukidnon State University main campus and EduHub on March 19–20, 2026 for an on-site validation.

The visit followed the university’s initial assessment under PCW-CHED Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2025-02, which directs state universities and colleges to implement the Gender and Development Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages, and Advocacies (GADTimpala).

“The shortlisting followed a rigorous initial assessment of the university’s Gender and Development (GAD) requirements and initiatives,” Dr. Marichu Montecillo, BukSU GAD Focal Person.

The GADTimpala awards recognize institutions, government agencies, and local government units for their outstanding performance in gender mainstreaming and the effective implementation of gender-responsive programs.

“In pursuant to the Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, PCW launched the Gender and Development Transformation & Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies or GADtimpala in 2013,” according to PCW in a statement.

The validation process focused on two primary areas of assessment: The Entry Points of Gender Mainstreaming (People, Policy, Enabling Mechanisms, and Programs, Activities, and Projects or PAPs), and the Trilogical Functions per CHED Memorandum Order 1 s. 2025. 

To verify the impact of the university’s efforts, a GADTimpala Validation Team walked through the BukSU main campus and EduHub to see firsthand how the university has improved its services for everyone.

The seven-member team, composed of four representatives from the PCW and three from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) evaluated the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS), champions, and experts within the faculty and staff; the integration and enhancement of GAD-responsive policies and model policies; the functionality of essential GAD structures and their integration into the organization; and the execution of GAD-centric initiatives and their institutionalization.

BukSU President Dr. Joy Mirasol said that promoting equality is a fundamental responsibility and identity of every member of the BukSU community.

“What we have built as one BukSU community, translated into policies, programs, and systems that uphold equality and inclusivity, is now being meaningfully assessed. Guided by our spirit animal, DASIG, we continue to embody courage, resilience, and purposeful action, recognizing that GAD is not an added task, but part of who we are,” Mirasol said.

Results of the on-site validation will be announced in August 2027 during the 17^th anniversary celebration of the Magna Carta for Women. (with report from Menard Labor, BukSU IU Intern)