University of Luzon Promotes Gender-Sensitive Campus Through GAD Awareness Program

Building an inclusive school environment starts with understanding, respect, and shared responsibility. These principles guided participants during the Gender and Development Awareness Program held on July 30, 2026.

The University of Luzon, through the Office of the Guidance Center, organized the program in collaboration with the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, Youth Peer Organization (YPO), and Psychenosi. The activity carried the theme “Building a Gender-Sensitive Campus Toward an Inclusive Learning Environment.”

Held at the UL Multipurpose Hall, the program brought together students and instructors from different programs for discussions and activities on gender sensitivity, equality, and inclusivity. The program opened with welcome messages from Dr. Amalia G. Dela Cruz, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management and Host of University-Wide Activities, and Prof. Nash B. Aquino, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services. Ms. Arianne Angela D. Balaoing, GAD Coordinator, also presented the rationale of the program.

The program is highlighted by a seminar session facilitated by Ms. Danielle D. Madero, RPsy, RPm, CHRA, a Registered Psychologist, Registered Psychometrician, and Gender and Development Educator. Ms. Maria Czarina G. Caoile, Guidance Designate and Adviser of Psychenosi, introduced the resource speaker. The discussion covered sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE), and gender-responsive practices in educational institutions.

Participants also learned about Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law), and CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, series of 2015. These discussions highlighted human rights, equal opportunity, and the importance of creating a safe school environment.

The program further included an icebreaker and a Commitment Pledge Activity led by Ms. Trisha Leigh Ashley Rodas, YPO Officer, encouraging participants to turn their learning into action. The activity concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Imelda E. Cuartel, Dean of the College of Education and Co-Host of University-Wide Activities.

The program reflects the University’s commitment to creating a campus where inclusive learning and respect for diversity go hand in hand. Through educational strategies that respond to diverse educational needs and strengthen professional education in a safe school environment, the program advances SDG 4: Quality Education, while its emphasis on challenging gender bias, promoting equal opportunity, empowering women, and fostering inclusion reinforces SDG 5: Gender Equality. By encouraging social inclusion through the reduction of disparities and discrimination, the program contributes to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, while its promotion of human rights, community engagement, public participation, and collaborative decision-making further strengthens SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.