5 January 2026
By Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban
As part of its continuing Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, several Benilde Centers and Schools partnered with the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVPLMSL) to conduct a series of GAD Talks aimed at promoting safe, inclusive, and respectful environments across the College. All sessions were facilitated by Ms. Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban, Benilde alumna, AB-Consular and Diplomatic Affairs graduate, and current Institutional GAD Focal Person, highlighting her pivotal role in advancing GAD education throughout the Benildean Community.
GAD Talk with the Center for Learning Resources (CLR)
The CLR, a frontline unit in student learning and engagement, hosted a GAD Talk for associates on August 27, 2025 across multiple campuses, including Benilde Antipolo. The session covered foundational GAD concepts, SOGIESC, and RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act). Given CLR’s central role in daily student interactions, the session reinforced the importance of inclusive and respectful learning environments.
GAD Talks for the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS)
SDEAS conducted two GAD Talks: October 8, 2025 for students and October 15, 2025 for associates. These sessions promoted awareness of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH), clarified legal protections under the Safe Spaces Act, and strengthened Benilde’s commitment to inclusivity and safety, particularly for Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.
GAD Talk for School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) Students
On November 21, 2025, incoming SDG OJT students attended a GAD Talk on RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, replacing their previous Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) orientations. As SDG students engage with communities and professional environments beyond Benilde, the session prepared them to uphold gender sensitivity, safe practices, and respectful professional conduct.
GAD Talk for CEMSS (Safety and Security Personnel)
On December 6, 2025, CEMSS personnel participated in a GAD Talk at the Atrium Campus. As first responders in campus safety and discipline, personnel gained deeper understanding of gender-sensitive practices and Safe Spaces policies, strengthening their capacity to respond to community needs with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.
Through these collaborative GAD Talks, Benilde’s Centers and Schools, in partnership with OVPLMSL, continue to embed GAD principles institution-wide. These initiatives ensure that frontline units, student-facing offices, and learners are equipped to foster a campus culture where respect, dignity, and safety are upheld, demonstrating Benilde’s ongoing commitment to a safer, inclusive, and empowered community.
If you are interested in receiving GAD Talks or Capacity Development (CapDev) sessions on GAD-related topics for your respective Centers and Schools, you may send an email to safe.spaces@benilde.edu.ph. Together, let us endeavor to strengthen our #GADvocacy in promoting safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive spaces for all.
