The event highlighted the importance of fire safety awareness while officially kicking off the celebration of National Women’s Month, reinforcing the shared responsibility of fostering a safe environment and honoring the invaluable contributions of women, setting the tone for a month dedicated to recognition, education, and inspiration.

Serving as the convocation’s subject matter expert, Prof. Hermie P. Pava, Vice President for Administration, delivered a lecture on Basic Fire Safety. He underscored the importance of preparedness and strict adherence to safety protocols across the university.

“That’s why we really need to practice safety and make it part of our culture of preparedness in CMU,” Prof. Pava emphasized.

Prof. Pava also highlighted the observance of Women’s Month Celebration and Fire Prevention Month, both held in March, noting their shared emphasis on awareness, empowerment, and community well-being.

In support of these initiatives, the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) distributed whistles to participants in line with the Safe Spaces Act. This proactive measure aims to strengthen safety and protection within the community, particularly for women and children, by promoting vigilance and enabling immediate response during emergencies.

Moreover, the CMU community, through its CGAD, formally launched the Women’s Month Celebration with the theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” The theme calls on women to embody the courage, wisdom, and leadership exemplified by the babaylans of pre-colonial Philippines.

Dr. Katherine Mae I. Caterial, OIC-Chief of CGAD, presented an overview of the National Women’s Month Celebration and announced the lineup of activities scheduled throughout March. These activities were also posted on the official CMU Facebook page.

The convocation recognized outstanding faculty members and colleges for their exceptional contributions to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Their achievements serve as a testament to CMU’s commitment to quality education and transformative impact on society. [Mary Jane D. Bravo]

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