Building Inclusive Campuses: ZPPSU Mainstreams Gender and Development

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY (PIO) – To advance Gender and Development Mainstreaming among the university’s five extension campuses in Zamboanga Peninsula, a Gender Sensitivity Training was held among teaching and non – teaching personnel in Malangas Municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay Province on July 30, this year.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Christina Wee emphasized that the GAD training aimed at building a stronger, united, and supportive EPDU community.

“When we are sensitive to gender, our classrooms and offices become places where everyone feels valued, heard, and safe. This training is important for all of us because it builds respect, understands each other, and creates a safe gender,” Vice President Wee said in her opening remarks.

Among the resource persons were Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology – Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Alvin Reyes and Prof. Anna Maria P. Gomez with topics on Safe Spaces Act and Personality Development, respectively.

ZPPSU President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral and other university dignitaries were also in attendance.

Further, the representative of Malangas Municipal Mayor, Dr. Apple Cabilao Yambao, stressed that this initiative reflects its commitment to building a community where gender equality, inclusivity, and respect for every individual are upheld.

“The Local Government Unit of Malangas remains a steadfast partner of ZPPSU in advancing Gender and Development programs and activities. Through strong collaboration, we can create meaningful and lasting initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen our institutions, and promote sustainable community development,” Malangas representative Engr. Kristia Jolina Calma said.

The training is organized to strengthen awareness, understanding, and commitment toward promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and respect in the workplace and in the communities served by the institution.

“I hope this will equip ZPPSU-EPDU personnel with the necessary awareness and skills to promote gender-responsive governance, strengthen institutional practices, and ensure that services are accessible, relevant, and responsive to the diverse needs of the communities they serve,” Professor Mary Fe Dela Cruz concluded.

The facilitators are hopeful that this training may inspire each participant to become an advocate of gender responsiveness and to help foster a more inclusive, equitable, and progressive extension campuses. (JRA/ABC/Public Information Office)