5 January 2026
By Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban
In line with its commitment to nurturing a safer, more respectful, and gender-responsive campus environment, the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVPLMSL), in partnership with the Center for Restorative Discipline (CRD), conducted a three-day Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) on August 18–20, 2025 at the Benilde Retreat and Conference Center (BRCC).
This training was designed specifically for the CRD, recognized as the primary frontliners and first responders in handling Gender-Based Sexual Harassment (GBSH) concerns involving students. By capacitating CRD associates, the College aims to strengthen response mechanisms, ensure gender-sensitive handling of cases, and reinforce respectful interactions across all touchpoints of student discipline and welfare.
The program opened with remarks from Ms. Nicky Templo Perez, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life and Gender and Development (GAD) Chairperson. She underscored the crucial role of CRD in student protection, emphasizing that gender sensitivity and fairness are foundational to a truly inclusive Benildean community.
Ms. Nicole Trisha Panganiban, the Institutional GAD Focal Person of the College, served as the main resource speaker for the three-day workshop. Her sessions focused on strengthening the team’s competence in Basic GAD and SOGIESC concepts, promoting Gender-Fair Communication, and deepening familiarity with the provisions of the Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (SSA).
Part of the discussion also highlighted updates on SSA implementation in Benilde, specifically in relation to the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). As CRD handles many initial reports and responses involving students, this training serves as a critical reinforcement to ensure that their processes remain restorative, gender-sensitive, and aligned with national policy standards.
During the closing, Ms. Norie Ador Dionisio, Director of the Center for Restorative Discipline, expressed gratitude to OVPLMSL for prioritizing capacity-building for frontliners who play a vital role in responding to sensitive student cases. She emphasized that equipping CRD with stronger GAD awareness not only enhances case handling, but also cultivates a more empathetic and empowered student community.
Through this training, Benilde advances its mission to uphold dignity, safety, and gender equity – ensuring that those at the frontlines of student welfare are prepared, informed, and grounded in compassion.
