The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHEDRO XI), and the Regional Gender and Development Advocates Network XI (RGAN XI) formally sealed their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing for the joint conduct of the 2025 Gender and Development (GAD) Summit on October 8, 2025 at USeP Obrero Campus.
Representing their respective institutions were USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., CHEDRO XI Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, and RGAN XI President Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot.
The MoA aims to strengthen collaboration among the three institutions to further promote gender sensitivity, inclusivity, and empowerment across higher education institutions in the Davao Region.
Also present during the event were Vice President for Administration Dr. Maria Luisa B. Faunillan, USeP GAD Director Assoc. Prof. Genessesly Tahoy, CHEDRO XI Educational Supervisor Dr. Evelyn S. Ecle, RGAN XI Secretary Sadie D. Law-ay, and GAD advocates from RGAN XI member state universities and colleges (SUCs).
In her message, Dr. Casquejo shared that the conduct of the GAD Summit has been recognized by the Commission on Audit (COA) as a best practice, demonstrating its impact on mainstreaming gender awareness and responsiveness in academic institutions. She also emphasized that through continued collaboration, the initiative aligns with the provisions of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1, series of 2015, which provides the framework for gender mainstreaming in higher education institutions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gabales highlighted USeP’s ongoing efforts to establish an Inclusivity Complex that will integrate a GAD component, providing a dedicated space that also serves the needs of minority groups, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. He also mentioned that USeP recently received recognition from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its prudent and impactful use of the GAD budget. According to Dr. Gabales, this achievement reflects the University’s effective allocation of resources toward gender-responsive programs and services.
Moreover, Dr. Bauyot highlighted RGAN XI’s vital role in linking SUCs, government agencies, and organizations in advancing gender advocacy across the region. She noted that the partnership with USeP and CHEDRO XI strengthens the Network’s mission to promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the institutionalization of GAD mechanisms in every higher education institution in Region XI.
The GAD Summit continues to grow as a regional platform for dialogue, capacity building, and advocacy on gender equality.
#WeBuildDreamsWithoutLimits
#USePCARES
#TransformingLivesAndCommunities
