The Cavite State University (CvSU), through its Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC), participated in the Regional Women’s Month Celebration held on March 20, 2025, at the Ynares Event Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rundina-Dela Cruz, GADRC Director; Mr. Ariel R. Rivera, Ms. Lorelei V. Sobremonte, and Ms. Arlene L. Estrada, GAD Coordinators; and Ms. Ellaine E. Todoc, GADRC Staff, attended the said event spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority – Region IV-A (NEDA IV-A), with support from the Local Government of Antipolo and the University of Rizal System (URS).
Demonstrating CvSU’s unwavering commitment to gender and development advocacy, the university stood in solidarity with fellow government agencies under the theme: “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.” This unified message underscores the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society—not just within academic institutions but across public service sectors.
The program officially commenced with a welcome message from Regional Director Carmel P. Matabang who highlighted the strides made in bridging gender gaps through the coordinated efforts of various government bodies.
This was followed by inspirational messages from Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares, Governor of Rizal Province who expressed strong support for continuing gender initiatives in local governance; and Dr. Nancy T. Pascual, University President of URS, who emphasized the critical role of education in gender empowerment.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Amaryllis T. Torres, Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Development (UP-CSWCD), who provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of gender advocacy in the Philippines.
The celebration featured three informative and thought-provoking sessions with the first one titled “Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” discussed by Ms. Nharleen Santos-Millar, Officer-in-Charge, Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). Ms. Santos-Millar centered her discussion on the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA 30+), addressing its implementation in the Philippines and the need for deliberate and sustained application of gender-focused legislation. She emphasized that while notable progress has been made, continuous advocacy is essential to achieving true inclusivity and equality.
Afterwards, Dr. Benjamin R. Quiñones, Chairperson, Asian Solidarity Economy Council led the session on “Empowering Women through Social Solidarity Economy in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals,” where he highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations in advancing women’s economic participation through social entrepreneurship. He underscored how the Social Solidarity Economy contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.
Furthermore, the presentation by Ms. Fely M. Baday, Supervising Volunteer Officer and GFPS Chairperson, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), titled “Volunteerism on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment” addressed the gender-specific challenges faced in volunteerism. She explored how strategic volunteer engagement can serve as a catalyst in closing gender gaps and fostering inclusive development.
One of the event’s significant highlights was the official launch of the CALABARZON Gender and Development Agenda 2025–2030, a strategic roadmap aimed at deepening regional commitments to gender equality and inclusive growth. This was followed by a ceremonial turnover of responsibilities to the next organizer of the Regional Women’s Month Celebration given to the Provincial Government of Cavite.
To conclude the program, Ms. Josephine C. Parilla, Co-Chairperson of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), delivered the closing message where she reiterated the importance of sustaining collective efforts and emphasized the shared vision of achieving a just and inclusive society where “everyone can be equALL.”
Through active participation in events like these, CvSU reinforces its dedication to gender equality—not just within the campus, but as a partner in national development. The university continues to work together with other institutions to foster a society where every individual, regardless of gender, is given equal opportunity to thrive.
