GAD Updates
JRMSU Honors Lives Lost to AIDS During Candlelight Memorial
May 16, 2025 – In a solemn assembly to honor the lives lost to AIDS, the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) community gathered at the Main Covered Court to observe the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2025, led by University President Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit.
The event was graced by guest Dr. Apple D. Balais-Morandarte, OIC City Health Officer, and included a prayer led by Rev. Fr. John Warren Maratas of St. James the Greater Parish.
During her speech, Dr. Naguit reminded the community: “This memorial serves as a holy reminder: to walk in the light of truth and not be deceived by the world’s shifting morals; to show mercy and dignity to all who suffer—whether through personal choice or undeserved pain; and to honor our own lives by treating the body as the sacred temple God designed it to be.”
With the theme “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead,” JRMSU reaffirmed its commitment to education, empathy, and collective action against stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS.
The event was led by Dr. Genelyn Viadnes, Campus Unit Head, Extension Office under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension headed by Dr. Rizza Bagalanon.
#JRMSU
May 19, 2025
FORTIFYING INCLUSIVITY
JRMSU reinforces its commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity through Gender Mainstreaming Capacity Building
In its ongoing effort to foster a more inclusive and gender-sensitive academic environment, Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) recently conducted a three-day Capacity Building Series on Gender Mainstreaming, held from April 28 to 30, 2025, at the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) Audio-Visual Hall.
The series aimed to strengthen institutional mechanisms, improve gender mainstreaming strategies, and develop actionable plans to create a safer and more inclusive University community. In-depth sessions covered topics ranging from sexual harassment policies to gender-responsive planning and budgeting.
The first day, led by Hon. Chad Martin Paler (Professor, JRMSU College of Law), Dr. Marissa M. Recapente (Chief Administrative Officer), and Mr. James Reselih H. Espinosa (Human Resource Management Officer), focused on enhancing the role of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). Discussions included the finalization of CODI’s Guidelines and Organizational Framework, strategies for preventing gender-based sexual harassment, and policy enhancement, particularly a comprehensive review of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877) and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law.”
University President Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit delivered a compelling message on the importance of clear, enforceable sexual harassment policies and the integration of gender and development (GAD) initiatives into University Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs). She emphasized that fostering a just and equitable environment ensures students thrive free from discrimination and employees work in a safe, supportive space.
On the second day, the focus shifted to strengthening the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) and preparing the Gender and Development Plan and Budget (GPB) for Fiscal Year 2026. Prof. Arnold M. Ferolino, a Certified National Gender Resource Pool Member of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), shared insights on enhancing GFPS coordination and aligning University programs with GAD principles through gender-responsive budgeting.
Dr. Reynaldo Venezuela, Vice President for Administration, underscored the critical role of GFPS in advancing gender-responsive governance. “Strengthening our GFPS is not just timely—it’s crucial. Our ability to deliver inclusive and gender-responsive governance depends on how well we understand and fulfill our mandates,” he noted.
The final day centered on developing Gender-Responsive Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) using the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG). Participants were equipped with tools to embed gender responsiveness throughout the project lifecycle—from conceptualization to implementation. Prof. Ferolino stressed that adherence to gender guidelines must evolve into a long-term commitment to gender equality.
Through this initiative, JRMSU reaffirms its dedication to building an inclusive and gender-sensitive academic environment. This commitment aligns with its Quality Policy Statement—emphasizing holistic human development, innovative and inclusive learning, and student empowerment. The University remains devoted to academic excellence, ethical standards, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity through sustainable partnerships and collaborative efforts.
April 29, 2025
Purple Power! Unity in Equality
This March, we honor the strength, resilience, and impact of Filipinas in every sector. In support of this, JRMSU proudly joins #PurpleWednesdays to stand in solidarity for gender equality and women’s empowerment!
Together, let’s continue pushing for a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive. Mabuhay ang kababaihang Pilipina!
#PurpleWednesdays
#WecanbeEquALL
#NWMC2025
#JRMSU
March 5, 2025
JRMSU Launches 2025 National Women’s Month with Empowering Kickoff Ceremony
March 3, 2025– In harmony with the Philippine Commission on Women, Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) held a spirited commencement for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC), highlighting inspiring speeches and featured a Zumba session participated in by university key officials, faculty, and administrative personnel during the flag-raising ceremony at the JRMSU Dapitan campus grounds.
Anchored on the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” this month-long celebration, featuring activities designed for and dedicated to the women constituents of the university, is organized by Prof. Roquee Hospicio H. Paragoso, Dapitan Campus Unit Head for Gender and Development, in collaboration with Dr. Patrick G. Galleto, Dapitan Campus Director.
During this kick-off ceremony, Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit delivered a compelling speech reaffirming the commitment to end Violence Against Women and Children. She expressed, “Justice, mercy, and humility must define our actions, especially in our fight for the dignity of women and children.”
As we celebrate the 2025 National Women’s Month, may the halls of this academic institution continue to foster a safe environment and inclusive society where women are respected and valued.
#WeCanBeEquALL
#JRMSU
March 3, 2025
JRMSU Holds Gender and Development Evaluation and Monitoring Meeting
The Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) Evaluation and Monitoring Meeting on February 25, 2024, at the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE) Conference Room.
The meeting gathered key officials from all JRMSU campuses to assess the progress of GAD-related initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to enhance the impact of the university’s GAD programs. This initiative reinforces JRMSU’s commitment to promoting gender equality and fostering an inclusive academic environment.
February 26, 2025
JRMSU GAD Unit Heads Strengthen HIV/AIDS Advocacy Through PaHIValo Project Training
The Gender and Development (GAD) Unit Heads of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) actively participated in the PaHIValo Project Training on Provider-Initiated HIV Counseling and Facility-based Testing held from January 27 to 31, 2025, at the JRMSU Library, Dapitan Campus. This five-day training, spearheaded by Prof. Bobmil C. Flores, Extension Director, aimed to strengthen institutional efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and advocacy by equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct provider-initiated HIV counseling and testing (PICT) within their respective campuses and communities.
The initiative was conducted in compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 37, series of 2021, which mandates the integration of HIV/AIDS education into the higher education curriculum, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have access to accurate information and services related to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Additionally, the training aligned with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11166, also known as the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, which seeks to improve HIV-related education, stigma reduction, and access to health services through multi-sectoral collaborations, including those involving academic institutions.
© JRMSU Katipunan Campus Gender and Development Unit
February 5, 2025
