Written by Aissa Pater
Higher Education Institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region unite to advance gender equality, strengthen partnerships, and promote a safe and inclusive academic environment.
Representatives from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) convened for a meeting of the Cordillera Higher Education Advocates’ Network for Gender Equality (CHANGE) to discuss collaborative initiatives, organizational development, and strategies to strengthen gender and development (GAD) advocacy in higher education.
Representing the University of Baguio, Dr. Helen D. Alalag, Vice President of the CHANGE Advocates Organization, joined fellow advocates in strengthening regional collaboration and advancing gender equality initiatives. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Jude Tayaben of Benguet State University, President of CHANGE and Director of its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, and CHED representative Sir Jeofrence Yangyang.
Key agenda items included the introduction of AHF Philippines, inputs from the higher education sector for the revision of guidelines for the Regional Pool of GAD Resource Speakers, identification of HEI activities for inclusion in the RDC-RGADC calendar in observance of the campaign to end violence against women and their children (EVAWC), preparations for LEAD Series 2 and 3, and discussions on the organization’s Constitution and By-Laws. The meeting also covered the final judging and proclamation of winners of the CHANGE logo-making competition and the call for applicants for the second batch of the Cordillera Regional Pool of GAD Resource Persons, released on April 27, 2026, alongside Regional Memorandum No. 77, released on April 29, 2026.
Participants also discussed the upcoming EVAWC activity to be hosted by Mountain Province State University, which CHANGE members are expected to attend, reinforcing their shared commitment to preventing violence and promoting safe and inclusive communities.
The gathering highlights the commitment of the University of Baguio and its regional partners to advancing gender-responsive education and strengthening institutional collaboration.
The meeting primarily advances SDG 5: Gender Equality, particularly Target 5.2, through regional collaboration and advocacy to end violence against women and children, and Target 5.5, through leadership development and the promotion of women’s participation in gender equality initiatives. It also supports Target 5.c by strengthening institutional collaboration and gender-responsive organizational initiatives. It also contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive and equitable learning environments, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration among HEIs and regional stakeholders.
