Representatives from the university attended the Gender and Development (GAD) Summit organized by the Commission on Higher Education-Region I, June 28-29, at the Pangasinan State University Convention Hall in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

The event was participated by presidents, vice presidents, GAD focal persons, and other SUC and HEI officials as well as local government unit representatives.  

Prof. Beatriz S. Malab, University Center for Gender and Development (UCGAD) focal person, shared MMSU’s best GAD practices. During the summit, UCGAD was commended for integrating GAD programs in the university’s instruction, research and development, and extension services.

Other GAD specialists also spoke during the summit: Atty. Florence Marie Gacad-Ulep, assistant regional director of DOLE-RO I who discussed R.A. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Private Sector; Dr. Arche L. Ligo, gender consultant of St. Scholastica’s College Institute of Women’s Studies; Dr. Fe Andico, GAD director of Pangasinan State University; Mr. Hedi Jose B. Lardizabal, director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Ilocos Sur Field Office who expounded on the IRR of R.A. 9710 for Government Sector, CSC laws, and Rules Relative to Women; Dr. Nenita S. Villarama, GAD focal person of DMMMSU-MLUC; Dr. Ma. Elena P. Benzon, GAD focal person of UNP; and Ms. Evangeline R. Almirante, assistant regional director of the National Police Commission-RO I who presented Region 1 Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE1).

Meanwhile, Ms. Vichel Rose E. Juguilon, planning officer of the Philippine Commission on Women discussed GAD planning and budgeting. On the other hand, Atty. Carmelita Yadao-Sison, director of the  Office of Legal Services of the CHED Central Office, presented the Higher Education GAD Memorandum of Agreement which was signed by the presidents/heads/representatives of each of the institutions present in the summit.

Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, MMSU and PASUC I president, ended the summit by challenging everyone to commit and strengthen partnership to promote GAD in the different disciplines and achieve equality in all aspects of the global society.

The best GAD programs and projects of the participating instituitons were exhibited at the convention hall. Posters, newsletters, and products of women’s groups assisted by UCGAD in coordination with the Extension Directorate, CASAT, and CIT were displayed and sold during the exhibit