The Gender and Development (GAD) Seminar with a theme of Gender Sensitivity and the Law: Building Respectful and Inclusive Learning Environments officially commenced on December 16 to 17, 2025, bringing together the University’s Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Program Chairs, faculty members, administrative personnel, and student assistants.

It started with an inspiring message from Dr. Eloisa P. Mackay, Director of Gender and Development, who underscored the university’s vision of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and gender-responsive community. This seminar is designed to raise awareness, clarify existing laws and policies, and encourage meaningful participation, the activity set the tone for learning, reflection, and action.

The first session entitled: Gender Reality in Educational Institutions was discussed by Dr. Ramona A. Prado, Vice President for Quality Assurance. She challenged participants to rethink long-held assumptions by highlighting the gap between perception and reality when it comes to gender issues in education that emphasized the importance of statistical data on sex and gender as a basis for informed decision-making and inclusive policies.

In the second session: Understanding SOGIE in the Workplace, Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dr. Bernadette Enriquez provided a deeper psychological perspective on gender, describing it as a perennial and evolving dimension of human identity. She highlighted the value of strong support systems, inclusive programs, feedback mechanisms, and measurable objectives. The session also celebrated a milestone for the university; the presence of a licensed psychometrician—strengthening UCC’s commitment to mental health and inclusive support services.

The conversation continued in the third session discussing the Gender and Mental Health presented by Dr. Rodrigo M. Dantay Jr., Vice President for Student Affairs and Services. Through his perspective, there are Four Pillars of Mental Health—Wallet (Financial), Karera (Career), Sosyal (Social), and Super Natural (Spiritual and Emotional) Health. The participants gained a holistic understanding of how gender, identity, and well-being intersect in everyday life.

Dr. Melchor Julianes, Dean of the Graduate School, tackled Gender in the Workplace and Education. He discussed the lived experiences, opportunities, and challenges encountered by individuals of different genders in both professional and academic settings. His presentation underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities and fair treatment for all learners, emphasizing inclusivity as a fundamental pillar of quality education.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response: Creating a Safe Space in School was also tackled by Dr. Nelson Dizon, Dean of College of Criminal Justice Education. He emphasized the importance of preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive school environments. He also discussed the role of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), stressing that GBV prevention is a shared responsibility of the entire academic community.

A crucial and eye-opening discussion followed in the session on the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). It informed participants about its role in receiving and investigating harassment and gender-based violation complaints. The nine-step complaint process, including anonymous filing with sufficient evidence, was explained, and it was clarified that CODI recommends actions while final decisions rest with the Office of the President to ensure due process and accountability.

One of the most impactful segments of the seminar was the discussion on "What is your role in GAD?" Students were encouraged to participate and report cases, faculty to promote equality and address harassment, and administrators to strengthen policies and support systems. Campus offices and staff were recognized for their shared responsibility in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.

The seminar concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Dr. Melinda Bautista, Vice President for Planning, who expressed sincere appreciation to the speakers, participants, organizers, Gender and Development Chairperson, Atty. Jessamine Jared Nas, and Chairman of the Board of Regents Hon. City Mayor Along Malapitan for their continued support. She encouraged the community to continue advocating for Gender and Development, emphasizing that inclusivity is a shared, everyday commitment.

Sa UCC, we Understand, we Care, and we Commit to a safe, inclusive school for all genders.

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