As part of its celebration of this year’s Linggo ng Unibersidad from June 16 to 20, the University of the Philippines (UP) commended Viola Jo Ann G. Torres, who provides gender-sensitive psychosocial assistance and peer counseling at the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), during the Pagkilala sa Natatanging Paglilingkod ng Agency-Hired at ICS na Kawani on 19 June 2025 at the Malcolm Theater in UP Diliman. The event recognized the invaluable service and contributions of agency-hired personnel and individual contract of service (ICS) staff of the UP System Administration (UPSA).

With the theme, “Ani at Alay: Paglilingkod at Pasidungog sa Bayan,” the weeklong celebration marks UP’s 117th Foundation Day on June 18 and recognizes outstanding individuals and institutions across the UP System who embody the values of UP of honor and excellence in service to the nation.

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted a Gender Sensitivity Orientation on 16 June 2025 at the UP College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) Audio-Visual Room for its incoming service learning students and interns from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters (CAL) and College of Media and Communication (CMC), and Bulacan State University (BulSU). Resource persons were Gina Rose L. Chan and Bryon Neil A. Senga, both of the UPCWGS. The orientation aims to equip interns with a foundational understanding of gender sensitivity, ensuring they can recognize, respect, and promote gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, thereby fostering a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all colleagues and clients during their internship experience. Internship period for this batch of students is from June to July 2025.

The University of the Philippines  Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), in partnership with the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development (OASD), organized three batches of the Mentoring Workshop for Coaches Coaching Women Varsity Athletes in UP Diliman on 30 April, 5 and 14 May 2025 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. Resource persons were Maria Beatriz N. Quintos of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines, Coach Andres Crisanto “Anto” S. Gonzales of the UP Women’s Football Team, Coach Maria Georgina “Marichi” Gandionco and Coach Jenny Rose Guerrero of the UP Varsity Swim Team, UPCWGS Fellow Dr. Eloisa May P. Hernandez and UPCWGS Director Dr. Marie Aubrey “Marby” J. Villaceran, and Dr. Teresa Paula “TP” S. De Luna and Prescilla D. Tulipat of the UP Diliman Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH). The workshops aims to foster gender-responsive coaching practices that recognize the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of women in sports.

The speakers and facilitators shared valuable insights and practical strategies for mentoring women athletes with care, respect, and a strong understanding of gender dynamics in the field of sports. From mental health and motivation to team dynamics and inclusive communication, the sessions provided a rich and safe space for reflection, dialogue, and professional growth.

In line with its commitment to fostering inclusive and gender-responsive volunteerism, the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted a Gender Sensitivity Training on 10 June 2025 at the Student Union Building (SUB), UP Diliman for the UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungod volunteer teachers (Gurong Pahinungod). Resource person was UPCWGS Fellow Julie B. Jolo, Assistant Professor at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman. This special session was held ahead of the Gurong Pahinungod’s scheduled deployment and was organized upon the request of the UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, reflecting their strong dedication to meaningful, respectful, and inclusive community engagement.

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), in partnership with the UP System Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), organized the second batch of Balangaw: GAD Capacity Building Program for UP System Administration (UPSA) GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Members on 26 and 30 May and 2 and 9 June 2025 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. Resource persons were UPCWGS Fellow Julie B. Jolo, Assistant Professor at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman and Ma. Gichelle A. Cruz, Member of the National Gender Resource Program of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). This initiative aims to strengthen gender sensitivity, deepen knowledge of gender and development (GAD) principles, and empower UPSA GFPS members to be effective agents of gender mainstreaming across the UP System.

The program’s name – Balangaw, the Filipino word for rainbow – symbolizes diversity, unity, and hope, echoing the essence of the GAD advocacy.

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted a benchmarking activity with the Cavite State University (CvSU) regarding publication materials related to gender and development on 27 May 2025 at the UPCWGS Library. Guests from CvSU were Dr. Bernard S. Feranil, Director of the Center for Language Learning and Research (CELLAR); Dr. Racquel G. Agustin, Director of Extension Services; and Asst. Prof. King David J. Agreda, President of Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere-Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (MOVE-KATROPA) and Coordinator of the Gender and Development Resource Center.

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), in partnership with the UP System Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), launched the Balangaw: GAD Capacity Building Program as part of the systematic approaches toward gender equity and building institutional capacities on gender and development (GAD) in the UP System Administration (UPSA).

The learning sessions, conducted on 10, 17, 31 March and 7 April 2025, brought together participants from various UPSA offices and units. Resource persons were Asst. Prof. Julie B. Jolo of the Department of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman and Daryl Leyesa of the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK). The workshops introduced GAD frameworks and tools, ensuring that all participants are equipped to incorporate gender-responsive strategies into their daily work, policy development, and institutional planning. As part of this initiative, the participants were also designated as members of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) of the UPSA.

The UPCWGS extends its gratitude to Dr. Augustus C. Resurreccion, UP Vice President for Administration, for his support and his commitment to a more inclusive and gender-sensitive UP System community.

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted Championing Rights: Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education Is a Must on 8 April 2025 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. This event is the 12th session of the “Site of Convergence: Weaving Tapestries of Knowledge” lecture series.

Speakers were Sabrina Laya S. Gacad of Lunas Collective, Luis Emmanuel A. Abesamis, Diana Verzosa Moraleda of Roots of Health, and John Lawrence Legaspi of Kabataan Community Health Advocacy Team (Ka-CHAT). During the event, Ka-CHAT also gave free HIV screening and counseling, and safe sex kits.

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) hosted the Forum on Comprehensive Sexual Education and Menstrual Health on 28 March 2025 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. The event brought together advocates, educators, students, and policymakers for an insightful discussion on the vital role of menstrual health in comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). Speakers were Djoanna “Joie” Cortina of Lunas Collective, Dr. Via R. Gablan of FriendlyCare Clinic, Leigh Carcel of Ecoflo, and Jasmine T. Cruz of the UPCWGS who talked about key issues, including the stigma surrounding menstruation, the need for policy integration, and sustainable menstrual hygiene practices.

Fourteen Japanese students from Nihon Fukushi University and Kwansei Gakuin University specializing in social work visited the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) on 25 March 2025 to learn more about its services, programs, and advocacy work. Organized by the non-governmental organization The O Home, a collective of artists, researchers, and mothers based in Quezon City and Makati, the purpose of the study tour is to gain a deeper understanding of Philippine society through the valuable work carried out by government and non-governmental organizations in the country. The students were accompanied by their professors Joe Takeda and Masaki Soeta.