Six universities from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have been globally recognized for their exceptional efforts in promoting gender equality. The Regional Gender and Development Committee-Cordillera Administrative Region (RGADC-CAR) honored these institutions for their strong commitment to advancing women’s rights and opportunities in education. This recognition underscores how these universities are fostering an environment of equality and empowerment, both on their campuses and within the broader community.
The awards were presented on March 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the National Women’s Month Celebration at the DPWH-CAR Multi-purpose Hall in Baguio City. Among the honored institutions, Saint Louis University ranked first, surpassing over 1,000 universities worldwide. Benguet State University and Ifugao State University followed, outperforming more than 900 colleges and universities. Mountain Province State University received recognition for excelling above 700 institutions, while Cordillera Career Development College was acknowledged for its achievements among over 500 colleges. The University of Baguio completed the list, standing out among more than 300 universities globally. In total, 41 universities from the Philippines were recognized, with these six representing the Cordillera region.
The universities were evaluated as part of the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. The ranking considered six key areas: research on gender equality, the proportion of first-generation female students, equitable access to education, the percentage of women in senior academic positions, graduation rates for women, and institutional programs and policies that advance women’s careers. These factors reflect the universities’ commitment to gender equality and their ability to provide equal opportunities for women in academic and professional environments.
RGADC-CAR Co-Chairperson Dr. Ferdinand P. Gonzales congratulated the awardees, stating, “To our awardees, Congratulations! Your unwavering dedication to gender equality not only empowers women but enriches society fostering progress, inclusivity, and innovation for all. May you continue to inspire change and shape a future where equal opportunities are not just an aspiration but a reality.”
Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) emphasized the vital role academic institutions play in shaping future generations. “The future of our country and our region lies with the students you teach, and it is crucial that, at an early stage, they become advocates through the academe. Academic institutions shape the perspectives of the next generation, and by fostering gender-sensitive environments, they ensure future leaders and professionals uphold the values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all,” she remarked.
Saint Louis University’s Director for Student Affairs and Services, Triceayn Marie De Guzman-Prestousa, discussed how the university’s inclusivity is reflected in its practices. “The reason why we are doing this is because of our core values. When we say that we are inclusive, when we say that we embrace diversity, it should not just be in our policies, it must be evident in our students and employees. When people ask why we have gender-neutral restrooms or a dress code that allows transwomen to wear dresses, we simply respond: because we are pro-person. This answers all questions. By adopting a pro-person approach, we reduce bias and promote true inclusivity.”
Dr. Estrellita M. Daclan, representative of Benguet State University, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “I am deeply honored and grateful to accept this prestigious award. This serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our institution. This honor motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, striving for excellence, and increasing efforts to mainstream gender perspectives in the implementation of our programs.”
The recognition of these six universities highlights the continued efforts of academic institutions to advance gender equality. Through inclusive policies, gender-sensitive research, and the creation of opportunities for women to thrive, these universities are helping build a society where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality. Their achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of education in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all. By Annjay Lhore Domilies
