Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) showcased its gender mainstreaming initiatives during the 8th National Women’s Summit and the 2nd Southeast Asian Women’s Summit held on March 2–3, 2026, at Miriam College in Quezon City.
Representing CMU were CGAD Chief Dr. Teresita H. Borres, CGAD staff, and Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons from the Offices of Human Resource Management, Public Relations and Information, Student Affairs and Services, and Legal Services. Their participation supports CMU’s continuing efforts to strengthen gender mainstreaming across academic and administrative units.
Among the summit’s panel discussions, two resonated most with the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD): Gender-Based Violence Prevention pathways and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
During a panel discussion on Gender-Based Violence Prevention, Dr. Borres shared CMU’s best practices for fostering safe and gender-responsive spaces within the University community. Among the initiatives included were the University’s institutionalized gender-based violence prevention pathway through the conduct of mandatory gender sensitivity orientations for all first-year students, along with orientation sessions for newly hired and promoted employees, and its academic council.
She also shared preventive and support mechanisms implemented on campus, including the distribution of gender awareness leaflets, emergency whistles and flashlights, installation of information materials on the Safe Spaces Act in strategic areas, and the designation of a women’s desk officer to assist in addressing gender-related concerns.
Meanwhile, GAD representatives also shared their takeaways during the summit.
Ms. Sharon E. Abarquez, Guidance Coordinator of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, emphasized the importance of trauma-informed counseling in addressing gender-based violence. She noted that guidance counselors play a vital role in providing support to survivors and strengthening response mechanisms within the University.
Ms. Abarquez also underscored the need to intensify awareness campaigns on consent and respectful relationships, as well as explore self-defense programs to help empower students.
Moreover, Atty. James M. Violon, member of the GAD Focal Point System from the CMU Legal Office, emphasized the importance of grounding gender advocacy in human rights and lived realities.
“My most meaningful takeaway from the summit is that protecting women must begin with recognizing where women truly are today,” Atty. Violon said, noting that while women continue to contribute significantly to society, many still face violence, discrimination, and barriers to opportunity.
Beyond the summit sessions, the CMU delegation also connected with fellow representatives from other agencies and state universities and colleges (SUCs), exchanging best practices and strengthening partnerships in gender mainstreaming initiatives. These engagements support CMU’s plan to further capacitate its local GAD Resource Pool and contribute to and become part of the National GAD Resource Pool in the future.[Iyren Dalipe Neri]
