University News

GADO hosts first Women's Forum

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Gender and Development Office (GADO), in celebration of the National Women’s Month, held the first PUP Women’s Forum at the Claro M. Recto Hall, March 20.

Anchored by the event’s theme “Women Inspiring Women: WE Make Gender Equality a Possibility in PUP,” PUP GADO invited notable women from the University to address and examine various gender issues that persist in the University.

PUP Communication Management Office (CMO) Director Prof. Krupskaya Valila moderated the forum, focusing on the discussions of progress, inclusivity, the challenges, and the status of women empowerment in Sintang Paaralan.

Among the panelists for this occasion include Omega Jem Navas, Chairperson of Women’s Initiative for Social Development and Freedom (WISDOM PUP); Dr. Remedios Ado, Dean of the College of Engineering; Atty. Joanna Marie Liao, Chief Legal Counsel of the University; Miss Kim Modelo, 24th PUP Student Regent; Atty. Michelle Kristine D. Saraum, Human Resource Management Department Director; Prof. Malaya Abadilla-Ygot, Assistant to the Executive Vice President; and Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development. 

GAD Focal Person of PUP Ragay, Camarines Sur, Dr. Dorren Arenque, who was unable to attend, presented a video message showing various achievements of women while leaving behind a call to “remember that every woman has the power to inspire. Let us continue to uplift, support, and encourage women for together we can create a ripple of change that will transform the world.”

Mapping women’s achievements in the university
Dr. Ado noted how far women have gone in their progress for representation in the University with VP Gapasin adding “Maraming nabigyan ng opportunities ang mga kababaihan na mamuno bilang middle managers, kasama na diyan ang mga directors, [at] chief of offices na inaasahan ng University na makakapag-contribute sa lahat.”

(“Women have been given a lot of opportunities to lead as middle managers and that includes the directors [and] chief of offices in which the University expects [them] to contribute.”)

When asked of specific challenges they faced in their respective fields and how they responded, Atty. Liao shared the lingering gender bias and gaps in the legal field. She was able to show her power as a woman by always proving that she or any woman can bring something to the table. Atty. Saraum recounted her beginnings as a ‘stranger’ in HRMD, facing the seniority of the top officials in the office, and eventually conquering her initial struggles by developing mutual respect with one another.

University’s role in empowering women
Navas cited the event itself as a primary example of PUP’s commitment to gender empowerment.

“GAD Office and PUP gave me a chance and that they trust me to deliver a speech together with these women. On my personal experience, nagiging empowering siya kasi nagkakaroon ng chance, hindi lang dahil professional ka, hindi lang dahil lalaki ka, pero dahil alam ng PUP na kaya mo.” 

(“On my personal experience, it is empowering because because it gives me a chance, not because you are a professional, not because you are a man, but because PUP knows that you can.”)

Prof. Ygot stated that she was not at the receiving end of any gender-related issue since entering the University as a student. 

“Iyon ang empowering sa PUP Community dahil nabibigyan ka ng pagkakataon na ipaglaban ang prinspiyo mo, napanghahawakan mo ang moral compass mo at hindi mo iyan bibitawan kahit saan ka magpunta. Dahil sa PUP, malaya ang lahat sabihin ang gusto mo. Sa PUP, malaya ang lahat ipaglaban ang paniniwala mo. Kahit anong posisyon ang mapuntahan mo, kahit anong opisina ang mapuntahan mo, irerespeto at irerespeto ka. Kasama ang pagrespeto nito ang pagiging babae mo.”

(This is an embodiment of empowerment within the PUP Community, because it gives you a chance to fight for your principles. You are able to hold on to your principles no matter where you go. Because at PUP, you are free to express yourself. At PUP, you are free to fight on what you believe in. Whatever position you go, whatever office you go, you will be respected. And part of that respect is you being a woman).

Agreeing with Prof. Ygot’s words, Modelo also said that gender does not matter in the University, declaring that PUP is a “safe space for everyone, not only for women, but for all genders.”

Bringing to life a gender equal university
To cap off the roundtable, VP Gapasin and Modelo share their insights as to potential next steps towards institutionalizing gender equality in its aspiration to become a National Polytechnic University. Modelo shared the need for further allocation of funds towards student concerns so as to turn the University into an even better and safer space for everyone.

VP Gapasin remarked, “Parte ng bisyon natin simula’t simula at hindi maaalis iyan, kahit sa mga nagdaang administrasyon hanggang sa kasalukuyan—ang pagsusulong ng inklusibong komunidad dito sa ating Sintang Paaralan.”

(Part of our vision from the very beginning, even during the past administration up until the present time—is having an inclusive community in the Sintang Paaralan).

At the conclusion of the 1st PUP Women’s Forum, GADO Director Jerome Permejo extended his gratitude and admiration towards the panelists for their insightful messages. He then challenged everyone in the audience to take part, to never be afraid, and to become a catalyst for change.

“Okay lang na matakot tayo. Okay lang na tayo ay magtanong at kung minsan, hindi lang madalas, okay din ang pagbabago. Walang nakakaalam kung ano ang meron sa kinabukasan, pero huwag natin kakalimutan tayo ang pumapanday ng ating kapalaran at ang kinabukasan na iyon ay ang patas at ligtas na lipunan para sa lahat ng kasarian.”

(“It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to be doubtful and sometimes, not just often, change is okay. No one knows what the future holds but we must not forget that we are the ones that forges our destiny and that the future is an equal and safe community for all genders.”)