Virac, Catanduanes - The College of Industrial Technology (CIT), a historically male-dominated unit at Catanduanes State University (CatSU), has experienced a striking upward trajectory in female enrollment over the past six academic years. The figures, spanning from the AY 2017-2018 to 2022-2023, reveal a compelling story of expanding gender diversity. As far back as the AY 2017-2018, male students held a significant majority at 77.01% in CIT, with 536 male students compared to a mere 160 female students. However, over the subsequent years, the gender gap has consistently narrowed. Female enrollment increased to 24.21% in AY 2018-2019, rose further to 29.09% in AY 2019-2020, and reached an impressive 35.80% in AY 2020-2021. Although it slightly dipped to 30.96% in AY 2021-2022, the most recent school year recorded a female enrollment of 29.20% The turning point came in AY 2020-2021 when female enrollment surpassed 35%, totaling 397, while male enrollment stood at 712. This pivotal moment showcases the growing interest and confidence of young women in pursuing education in fields that were once perceived as predominantly male-centric. The upsurge in female enrollment can be attributed to several factors, including the University’s efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, irrespective of gender. Additionally, a rising awareness of gender equality in the province, along with the dismantling of traditional barriers in workplaces, has encouraged more women to express interest in fields that were historically male dominated. Dean Dr. Edwin T. Romero expressed delight at the changing demographics within the college, stating, “It’s wonderful to witness this positive shift in enrollment. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities for all our students. Seeing young women pursuing ladderized degrees in electronics, drafting, mechanical, and automotive technologies, as well as BS in Architecture, is not only a sign of progress but also an indicator of the bright future ahead.” As CIT continues to display improving gender diversity and inclusivity, “We hope to positively impact the campus culture. For instance, women are known to be detail-oriented, and I hope our male students can see the value in that. Likewise, our female students should not be afraid to embrace hands-on experiences to earn a living,” commented Gender and Development Focal Person Melinda Abichuela, emphasizing the importance of sharing skills between genders. CatSU President Patrick Alain T. Azanza is positive that this trend will continue and highlights the need for gender-responsive facilities. “The substantial increase in female enrollment in traditionally male-dominated colleges and vice versa expands opportunities for everyone. We are happy with this development, as it signifies equal representation of genders, empowerment of marginalized sectors, and the involvement of diverse ideas. In response to this emerging trend, we must prepare our facilities, such as providing more laboratories and automated machines that cater to the differences in physical characteristics of genders.” CatSU administration remains firmly committed to achieving gender equality, extending efforts to address gender gaps in other colleges like Engineering, Education, and Health Sciences. This remarkable surge in female enrollment at CIT reflects a positive shift towards greater gender equality in academia. As the University continues its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the hope is for this trend to spread across other disciplines, driving the transformation towards a more equitable and diverse academic landscape.Ms. Reashiela L. Khan GMMS Focal Person
A conference attended by 50 students and faculty members at Catanduanes State University (CatSU) led to the formation of a new organization called "Kugos" for pregnant and parenting students on March 28, 2023.The conference, organized by the Gender and Development Services (GAD) and headed by Focal Person Prof. Melinda V. Abichuela, aimed to provide a platform for these students to voice their experiences and concerns, forwarding them to the CatSU administration for deliberation and appropriate action."Kugos," the working name until its constitution and bylaws are established, will act as a support group for young parents juggling their demanding roles, as advocated by Prof. Reashiela L. Khan.During the People's Forum, mother-students shared their disheartening experiences, such as difficulties in obtaining excuse letters from professors to attend to their sick infants. Others suggested that attendance at college week and university-wide Olympic events should not be mandatory for parents, allowing them to focus on their children.Elected officers for Kogus include President Katrina B. Gianan, Vice President Charmaine H. Tuplano, Secretary Kriza A. Barrios, Treasurer Louwella Umbao, Mass Media Officer Raela Alma L. Sebastian, Business Managers Cyrene A. Morales and Angelica F. Alejandro, and Peace Officers Antonette T. Tribiana and Jechnova T. Dela Cruz.The Parenting and Pregnant Students' Conference is part of CatSU-GAD's series of activities in celebration of National Women's Month.Meanwhile, an ongoing activity, "Women in CatSU," was also launched by GAD to feature inspiring stories from notable women who have significantly contributed to the university, such as Ms. Milagros Gianan III, Ms. Marilyn G. Tejada, Ms. Madilyn Borromeo, Dr. Gemma M. Samas, Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Dr. Lily P. Custodio, and Prof. Jane Rose Azanza.Their stories can be seen in the CatSU official Facebook page. | Via Gender and Development Services
CatSU held a culminating activity for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on December 12, 2022 at the Main lobby of the Administration building. The campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 12, raises awareness about VAW as an issue of national concern. This year’s theme “United for a VAW-FREE Philippines” focused the campaign on positive advocacy messaging by encouraging everyone to commit their stand and support to end VAW and to actively participate in a joint pursuit to have a VAW-free community.In support of the 18-day campaign period, several activities were implemented by CatSU GAD Services headed by Dr. Maria Edna R. Iñigo, Chairperson of the GAD Focal Point System, and Prof. Melinda V. Abichuela, CatSU GAD Officer-in-charge. Some of the activities include a Eucharistic Celebration, VAW-free community advocacy parade, various contests participated in by bona fide students from the Main and Panganiban Campuses, such as the 20-year Philippine VAW-Gains Quiz bee, painting contest, Bicol Song Writing contest, VAW-Free Photography Contest, Slogan and Poser-Making Contest, and a seminar training focusing on Bridging the Silence on Gender and Violence. Prof. Reashiela L. Khan, Gender Mainstreaming and Monitoring System Focal person (GMMS), led the opening remarks for the culminating activity and thanked everyone who supported the learning and development sessions. Winners of the various contests were also awarded during the program.Prof. Khan also encouraged everyone to continuously support CatSU GAD activities and, in their own little way, be an advocate of anti-violence against women and children. The Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) defines the Gender and Development Program (GAD) as the development perspective and process that is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination, and actualization of human potentials. #CVecilles
Organized last among the college women's clubs, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Women's Club launches to fulfill its calendar of activities starting with the peacefully facilitated VAW-free painting contest held on November 29, 2022. Twelve (12) student-artist participants from the different colleges of CatSU joined in the event namely: 1. Oliver T. Flores - College of Industrial Technology 2. John Patrick A. Zepeda - College of Engineering and Architecture 3. Princess Cel Tria - College of Engineering and Architecture4. Erica S. Chavez - College of Industrial Technology 5. Garry T. Santos - College of Industrial Technology 6. Aila Mae S. Villegas - College of Engineering and Architecture 7. Ezra D. Delluza - College of Industrial Technology 8. JUSTIN MAY DL. SARMIENTO - College of Education 9. Morenz V. Dedicatoria - College of Agriculture and Fisheries 10. Glori Mae Zuniega - College of Business and Accountancy 11. Micko Allen T. Eustaquio - the College of Industrial Technology 12. Paula Mia R. Padayao - College of Science The contest was held in coordination with the Office of the Mayor of San Andres through Hon. Leo Mendoza who provided all the materials and the CatSU Gender and Development Services as a support to the 18-day Campaign to End the Violence against Women, a national simultaneous campaign that runs from November 25, 2022 to December 12, 2022. #GAD
As part of the nationwide 18-day Campaign on violence against women of the Philippine Commission on Women, the Gender and Development Services of the Catanduanes State University headed by Prof. Melinda V. Abichuela held a conference dubbed as “Bridging the Silence on Gender Violence” at the Accreditation Room on December 5, 2022. The event was made possible through the shared efforts and support of the participating LGUs of San Andres and Baras headed by Mayor Leo Mendoza and Mayor Paolo III Teves, respectively.Embarking on another challenging undertaking, the conference aimed to provide the participants a deeper understanding and knowledge of the current state of gender violence in the province. Notable individuals and leaders representing the different sectors and offices with direct hand on women, family and children ably presented their ideas on the services, data, plans, and challenges they encountered as gender advocates of the province. Among the guests were DTI Provincial Director Maria Belma Escueta, PNP-Virac PSMS Josephine Bergonio, Atty. Rene John Velasco, EBMC WCD Officer Dr. Cecile A. Zuniega, Pastor Richard Manlangit Pacora of the Light and Salt of the Earth Christian Church, Sr. Basilides “Daisy” Superable of the Contemplative of the Good Shepherd Convent, and the Emergency Department Head of EBMC Dr. Arman Jefferson Espinola. Without hesitation, they made time to present the roles and experiences of their agencies and offices in responding to women, family, and children concerns in Catanduanes. Participants represent various offices and agencies including Cavinitan Elementary School, Calatagan Elementary School, Calatagan High School, Panganiban MSWDO, Calatagan Brgy. Local Govt. Unit, Camp Camacho Provincial PNP, Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) Hospital, and Public Attorney’s Office. “Today is a special day for all of us as we continue with our advocacy and in catalyzing urgent and sustained actions to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Through this, we also hope to be informed and enlightened, and furthermore be able to think and come up with the significant ways on how the island can achieve zero gender violence,” Prof. Khan, GAD-GMMS shared. #CVecilles
