28 March 2025
Benguet State University (BSU) had its culminating program for the National Womenβs Month Celebration with the theme; “ππ’π£π’π¦ π΄π’ ππ’π©π’π΅ π―π¨ ππ¦π¬π΅π°π³, ππ’π―π¨π’π΅ π’π―π¨ ππΆπ¬π’π΄ π΄π’ ππ’π¨π°π―π¨ ππͺππͺπ±πͺπ―π’π΄,” held at the BSU covered court led by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office.
The month – long celebration had its kick-off program on March 3, 2025 during the flag-raising ceremony. The celebration conducted a series of activities such as: ππ¦π³π£πͺπ΄πΊπ° ππ’π³π’ ππ’πΊ ππΆπ’π―π’: Reproductive Health Program; Juana Ride Cum Health Advocacy Program; and Forest Bathing: A work Break for the Mind and Soul.
In addition, ππ¦π³π£πͺπ΄πΊπ° ππ’π³π’ ππ’πΊ ππΆπ’π―π’: A Thesis Advice and Career Orientation Service was also conducted with the participation of the College of Forestry and Engineering. This is in collaboration with the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Watershed and Water Resources Research Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC) on March 20, 2025.
The Womenβs Month closing program began with a message from the University President, Kenneth A. Laruan expressing his appreciation to all women and emphasizing that they should be recognized every day not only during the month of March. Laruan also announced that BSU was awarded a plaque of recognition by the Regional Development Council (RDC) through the Regional Gender and Development Committee β Cordillera Administrative Region (RGDC – CAR).
The award acknowledges BSUβs effort in raising the standards of Cordillera gender and equality, and womenβs empowerment besting over 900 colleges and universities worldwide in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5: Gender Equality.
This was followed by GAD Office Director Jude L. Tayaben who introduced the keynote speaker, Maria Catbagan-Aplaten, Chairperson of the RGDC – CAR and Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – CAR.
In her speech, Catbagan-Aplaten shared an anecdote about her motherβs dedication to their family despite facing difficulties. She reminded everyone that women in every sector are vital in shaping a progressive and inclusive nation.
βLet us be the agents of change. Support women-led initiatives, mentor young girls, challenge gender stereotypes and most importantly, stand together in the spirit of π£πͺπ―π―π’π₯π’π―π¨ (helping each other in times of need) to uplift one anotherβ she said.
Aplaten also stated that our Cordilleran culture taught us that no one rises alone. The strength from our ancestors, the wisdom of our elders, and the resilience of our women fuel our journey towards a better, more inclusive feelings. Carrying the spirit forward ensuring that every woman in every sector truly rises and shines.
This was followed with a talk about mastering cancer awareness, financial literacy and work-life synergy by Jean Jannette De Joya, a faculty member from the College of Teacher Education. She shared that understanding work life balance helps avoid burn out highlighting the importance of self-care. She ended her talk with the quote βto be there for others, you have to be there for yourself firstβ.
Chairperson of the Department of Entrepreneurship Michael Karl M. Barnuevo also shared his insights and advice regarding Financial Health Literacy. Lastly, Florence V. Poltic, Director of the University Health Services discussed the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of breast and cervical cancer.