VSU secures PCW Endorsement for 2025 Gender and Development Plan and Budget

VSU remains the only higher education institution in Eastern Visayas to receive consistent endorsement from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its Gender and Development (GAD) Plan and Budget to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusivity within the university.

In a statement released on March 6, the PCW commended VSU’s comprehensive approach in integrating gender-sensitive policies, programs, and activities that align with national frameworks to  empower women and the marginalized groups. 

The endorsement is a significant milestone for the university as it continues to uphold its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

In addition, this achievement comes after the strong engagement initiated by the GAD office with various stakeholders, including faculty members, administrative staff, student groups, and community leaders, to create a gender-responsive plan that reflects the diverse needs and experiences of its population.

The VSU GAD Plan and Budget for 2025 outlines a series of initiatives designed to address gender disparities within the university's academic, social, and administrative sectors. 

These initiatives include the creation of support systems for female students, the promotion of gender-inclusive curricula, and the development of programs that address issues such as sexual harassment, reproductive health, and gender-based violence.

PCW emphasized that VSU’s comprehensive and well-structured plan not only prioritizes the welfare of women but also promotes an environment where all members of the community can thrive, regardless of gender.

This endorsement serves as a strong validation of VSU’s ongoing efforts to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. 

VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy. G. Yepes, expressed her gratitude for PCW’s support and emphasized the university’s role in championing gender equality.

“We are honored by PCW’s endorsement and for recognizing our efforts to build a gender-responsive university.  Indeed, this is a timely success to kick off National Women’s Month,” Dr. Yepes said, describing this as a timely success while celebrating the National Women’s Month. . 

With the PCW’s endorsement, VSU sets a precedent for other institutions to prioritize gender equality in their policies and budgets. This recognition  further strengthens the movement towards   gender mainstreaming in the higher education sector.

PCW reiterated its support to educational institutions like VSU that are taking proactive steps toward gender equality. 

As the country moves closer to achieving its development goals, the endorsement of the VSU GAD Plan and Budget 2025 represents a significant contribution to the empowerment of women and marginalized communities across the Philippines.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 5: Gender Equality

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