Written by Dr. Helen Alalag
Theme: Ipeyas: Empowering Communities through Gender-Responsive Development in the Cordillera
A representative from the University of Baguio (UB) took part in the 4th Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS) Assembly, held on November 5–6, 2025, at Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City. The event carried the theme “Ipeyas: Empowering Communities through Gender-Responsive Development in the Cordillera.”
Ipeyas: A Shared Call for Empowerment The term “Ipeyas,” meaning “to empower” in the Cordilleran context, aptly captured the message of the assembly—to build communities grounded in equality, respect, and participation.
Empowering Communities through Gender-Responsive Governance, The regional assembly brought together participants from various government agencies, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units across the Cordillera. It aimed to enhance understanding of the vital roles of GAD Focal Point System members in institutionalizing gender mainstreaming and promoting inclusive development in their respective organizations.
Throughout the two-day activity, speakers and facilitators emphasized the importance of strengthening gender equality mechanisms, aligning programs with national and regional gender policies, and ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring processes. Open forums and consultation sessions allowed participants to share their insights, good practices, and challenges in implementing gender and development initiatives—fostering a stronger sense of collaboration and shared purpose among GAD advocates in the region.
UB’s Support for Gender and Development Advocacy, As one of the participants, the University of Baguio representative reaffirmed UB’s continuing support for gender and development initiatives in higher education. The University remains committed to promoting gender sensitivity, equal opportunity, and inclusivity across all sectors of the academic community.
UB’s GAD programs continue to advocate for the empowerment of women, the protection of vulnerable groups, and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms that advance a gender-fair environment. The event concluded with renewed commitments among participants to work together toward a gender-responsive and inclusive Cordillera, where empowerment and equality become enduring pillars of community and institutional development.
