Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) at the university is spearheading a series of Gender Sensitivity Orientations (GSO) for all first-year students of AY 2025-2026. This initiative, part of the university’s broader gender mainstreaming efforts, will run from September to December.
The program’s first three sessions, held on September 9 , 10, and 11 were for 171 students from the College of Forestry and Environmental Sciences and 140 students from the College of Engineering. The orientation covered a range of topics, including the fundamental differences between sex and gender, SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression), the development of gender stereotypes, and the use of gender-fair language. The students also explored the manifestation of gender issues, how to address them, and learned about reproductive health. The sessions included two workshops and pre- and post-tests to evaluate the students’ learning.
Students Realize the “Impossible Dream”
The GSO impacted the students, offering them a new lens through which to view their roles in society and their relationships with others.
Gliana Remee Nobleza, a BS Environmental Science student, found the orientation “very insightful.” She explained that it helped her and her peers “broaden our perspectives regarding gender and our roles in society, as well as how crucial it is for us to be aware and advocate for gender equality and equity for the sake of our future and the future of those that will come after us.” This realization also inspired her to work harder, seeing the ability to pursue her dreams as a privilege not granted to previous generations of women.
The impact was clear in the reflections of other students as well. Jorus Dela Peña, who entered the orientation with many questions about gender and sex, left with a much deeper understanding. “I learned that we must see women and others as our equal, because being a woman doesn’t mean you can’t do what a man can,” he said, recognizing that capability isn’t determined by gender.
Another student, Bianca A. Tulio, described the activity as an “eye opener” that revealed how society normalizes gender roles. She expressed dismay at seeing how these issues hurt both women and men. She noted that these problems, though they may seem insignificant to some, are real and have been happening for years. Tulio ended with a powerful call to action, saying, “Let’s make that impossible dream possible, and it starts with us.” This sentiment was echoed by Josh Daniel L. Tizon, who found a video called “The Impossible Dream” particularly impactful, realizing that gender issues are far more widespread than he had previously imagined.
A Call to Action from CGAD
The GSO’s message culminated in a statement from Dr. Teresita H. Borres, the CGAD Chief. She reminded the students of their inherent worth, telling them, “You know that you have a VALUE as you are. You have a RIGHT to fight, if someone abuses you either verbally, virtually, or worst is physically.” Dr. Borres assured students that the CGAD is their “supporting arm” and encouraged them to use their newfound knowledge to be “more aware of your rights, your duties, and your responsibilities” and to never allow themselves to be abused or harassed while at the university.
With this successful first session, the CGAD looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students at the university. [Iyren Dalipe Neri]
