CMU builds stronger GAD leadership through MYTI 2026 training series

Building a more gender-responsive university begins with investing in the people who will lead its initiatives. Guided by this commitment, the Central Mindanao University- University Center for Gender and Development (UCGAD) sent eight members of its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) and Technical Working Group (GAD-TWG) to four specialized courses under the Mid-Year Training Institute (MYTI) 2026 of the Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (WAGI).

As part of the Institute’s training series conducted from June 29 to July 23, 2026, the participants gained updated knowledge, practical tools, and evidence-based approaches that will help strengthen the University’s gender-responsive policies, programs, projects, and services while advancing its continuing gender mainstreaming efforts.

The CMU delegation included Dr. Teresita H. Borres, Chief of UCGAD; Ms. Iyren A. Dalipe-Neri of the Office of Public Relations and Information; Mr. Nolan Earl E. Guzman of the Office of Human Resource Management; Ms. Virma Faith T. Dayondon of the College of Arts and Sciences; Ms. Shiela Mae B. Tejano of the College of Education; Ms. Sharon Abarquez of the Office of Student Affairs and Services; Ms. Maejoy L. Talisay of the Research Office; and Ms. Marie O. Gamil, GAD Staff. Participants were assigned to four learning tracks—Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB), Gender-Fair Education (GFE), International Women’s Human Rights and Governance (IWHRG), and Gender, Sexuality and Student/Youth Well-being (GSSYW)—allowing the University to strengthen expertise across key areas of Gender and Development.

For Dr. Borres, the MYTI training series was more than a professional development opportunity. It reinforced the University’s capacity to translate gender-responsive principles into concrete institutional action.

“Through an intensive series of capacity-building programs at the renowned Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) of Miriam College, the University Center for Gender and Development (UCGAD) and Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) have significantly deepened their institutional capability,” she said.

She explained that the training strengthened the team’s competencies in strategic GAD planning, integrating gender-fair perspectives into teaching and learning, and improving institutional mechanisms for addressing sexual harassment cases. These, she noted, place the University’s GAD implementers in a stronger position to advance gender mainstreaming and cultivate safe and inclusive spaces across the campus.

Borres also acknowledged the support of the University administration.

“Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Central Mindanao University administration, through the visionary leadership of President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, for the unwavering support, commitment, and investment in empowering the UCGAD-GFPS members through these crucial capacity-building opportunities.”

The participants echoed the importance of applying their new knowledge in their respective offices and areas of responsibility.

Representing the Gender-Fair Education course, Shiela Mae B. Tejano of the College of Education shared that one of the most valuable lessons was recognizing that gender-fair education goes beyond treating everyone the same. Instead, it means acknowledging learners’ diverse realities, challenging stereotypes, and creating classrooms where every student feels respected, safe, and empowered to participate.

For Maejoy L. Talisay of the Research Office, who attended the International Women’s Human Rights and Governance course, the discussions underscored the interconnectedness of women’s rights, governance, climate justice, migration, labor, and digital safety. She reflected that meaningful advocacy begins with listening, questioning personal biases, and ensuring that research and knowledge contribute to building inclusive and rights-based communities.

Meanwhile, Iyren A. Dalipe-Neri of the Office of Public Relations and Information, who participated in the Gender, Sexuality and Student/Youth Well-being course, emphasized the importance of embedding student well-being into institutional policies and communication initiatives.

“One of my key takeaways from this training is that student well-being must be intentionally embedded in our policies, programs, and communication strategies,” she said. “As the newly designated Women’s Desk Officer of CGAD, this training reaffirmed my responsibility to strengthen advocacy on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, prevention of gender-based violence, and accessible support mechanisms for students.”

The knowledge gained from the MYTI 2026 courses will be cascaded through the UCGAD-GFPS and applied in future initiatives, strengthening the University’s efforts to integrate gender perspectives across instruction, research, extension, administration, and student services.

As CMU continues to implement its Gender and Development Agenda, these capacity-building initiatives support programs that promote empowerment of women and other gender , inclusivity, campus safety and security, health and wellness, equal opportunities, and resilient communities. By investing in its GAD implementers, the University reinforces its commitment to institutionalizing gender mainstreaming while contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). [Iyren Dalipe Neri]