By Jasper Alegro
NAVAL, BILIRAN, Philippines — Samar State University’s Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN) visited the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) on September 13 (24) for a study tour of BiPSU’s best practices on gender-sensitive infrastructure.
The tour, which took place at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center, was steered in collaboration with SSU’s Infrastructure and Development Services (IDP) and the Planning Management Office (PMO). It highlighted discussions on BiPSU’s Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming practices and gender-sensitive infrastructure.
Dr. Marianne B. Dagay-Ioan, BiPSU’s GAD Director, shared the university’s successful GAD mainstreaming practices and emphasized the critical role of institutional commitment, capacity-building efforts, and community engagement in creating a gender-responsive learning environment. Furthermore, Engr. Jessie Marie Cerera, Director of BiPSU’s Infrastructure and Planning Office, showcased the university’s infrastructures, which were strategically designed to accommodate all gender needs, thereby ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
Following the lectures, an open forum with SAGWAN Director Charmaine Quiña, SSU’s IDP Director Engr. Rafael Escareal, and SSU’s Planning Management Officer Engr. Rodrigo Estrada was administered. The discourse tackled both universities’ commitment to gender inclusivity, particularly in the field of higher education
In closing, SSU delegates were given a tour to BiPSU’s gender-responsive infrastructures. Afterwards, Dr. Nathalie Ann A. Acosta, SAGWAN Coordinator, presented a synthesis of the event and outlined an action plan for future collaborations between the two institutions, emphasizing SSU’s commitment to implementing gender mainstreaming practices aligned with BiPSU’s successful initiatives.