SLSU GAD Leads Inclusive, Empowerment-Focused Initiatives for 2026 National Women’s Month
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, spearheaded a series of initiatives in celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month, highlighting the university’s sustained commitment to gender equality, wellness, and inclusive participation across its campuses.
Anchored on the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the GAD Office implemented programs that combined advocacy, wellness, leadership development, and community engagement. The month-long observance began on March 2 with the Fun Run titled “Chasing Miles, Not Limits,” which promoted health and active living while formally launching the university’s Women’s Month celebration. The GAD Office recognized the first female finishers in each category, emphasizing the importance of visibility and recognition of women’s achievements in sports and other male-dominated fields.
Following the run, the university community formally ushered in the National Women’s Month celebration through an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, marking the official launch of the observance. University President Jude Duarte delivered a message underscoring the core values of respect, opportunity, and women empowerment, highlighting the university’s commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive leadership. The program also served as the platform where the full lineup of Women’s Month activities was introduced, setting the tone for a series of initiatives dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowerment across the SLSU community.
On March 3, SLSU conducted the “We Grow Because of U” Tree Growing Activity at the Sogod Campus as part of its 22nd Charter Anniversary, bringing together university employees in a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and community building. Anchored in the spirit of National Women’s Month, the initiative highlighted the vital role of women as stewards of the environment and catalysts of sustainable change. The distribution of purple champorado added a symbolic layer to the activity, representing justice, dignity, and women’s empowerment, while reinforcing the message that environmental responsibility and gender empowerment are interconnected advocacies nurtured within the SLSU community.
The SLSU GAD Office also promotes awareness of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), with students actively participating in orientation and information drives to better understand their rights and responsibilities. CODI serves as a safe and formal channel where students and employees can report incidents, seek assistance, and ensure that concerns related to harassment and other gender-based issues are properly addressed.
In partnership with Radyo Pilipinas Sogod, the university also launched a series of radio segments under, “SLSU Hour Young at Heart: Her Era,” providing a platform for discussions on women’s leadership and lived experiences. The segment “Babaeng Katutubo, Babaeng Propesyonal” featured Lynlyn Masumay, an SLSU Mamanwa alumna, highlighting the intersection of indigenous identity and professional growth. Another segment, “Main Character Energy: Owning Your Voice as a Young Leader,” featured student leaders Ms. Carren Vallinas, Ms. Keanna Mae Dayola, and Ms. Lorelyn Achicoso, who shared insights on leadership and student engagement. These sessions were aired live via Radyo Pilipinas Sogod’s official Facebook page on March 11 and March 18. The series concluded with “Healing Isn’t Weak: Mental Health Conversations,” featuring Ms. Mona Rea C. Cagurol, which emphasized mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and the importance of accessible support systems for women.
In collaboration with the Human Resource Management Office and Well Hands Blind Massage (Sogod Branch), the GAD office successfully conducted the “Women’s Wellness and Self-Care Day” as part of its National Women’s Month initiatives, providing a dedicated space for relaxation, recovery, and well-being among employees, particularly female personnel. The activity offered on-campus massage services that aimed to ease physical stress and promote mental refreshment.
The 2026 National Women’s Month celebration at SLSU culminated in a meaningful closing program that brought together the various initiatives, advocacies, and voices highlighted throughout the month. Through a series of creative and reflective activities, including the “Himig ng Kababaihan” songwriting and singing presentation and a poetry writing competition, participants were given opportunities to express their experiences, aspirations, and perspectives on women’s empowerment. The culmination served not only as a closing event but also as a reaffirmation of the university’s continuing commitment to gender equality, inclusive participation, and the empowerment of women across all sectors of the SLSU community.
