Committed to fostering a more inclusive academic landscape, the Pangasinan State University – Open University Systems (PSU-OUS), in strategic collaboration with the PSU Gender and Development (GAD) Office, kicked off a two-day Capacity Building Seminar titled “Advancing Gender and Development in Open and Distance E-Learning, April 22, 2026
This landmark initiative was made possible through the visionary leadership of 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗿. 𝗘𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗠. 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘀, whose administration remains steadfast in its commitment to institutionalizing gender-responsive programs across the university.

Under President Galas’ strategic guidance, PSU continues to champion inclusivity and academic excellence, ensuring that all regional and international programs adhere to the highest standards of gender sensitivity.
Supporting this institutional vision were Dr. Phillip Queroda, PSU-OUS Executive Director, and Dr. Romary Lincod, GAD Director, with the vital coordination of Dr. Presley De Vera, PSU-OUS GAD Coordinator.

The first day focused on establishing a robust data-driven foundation for gender initiatives. Dr. Roselle V. Collado, Director of the UPLB Gender Center, spearheaded the morning sessions with a comprehensive discussion on Basic GAD Concepts, Gender Analysis, and the critical role of Sex-Disaggregated Data in institutional planning.

Following her, Ms. Genesis Giselle T. Baseleres of UPLB pivoted the discussion toward technical execution, focusing on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG).

Complementing the session on institutional vision, Dr. Phillip Queroda, Executive Director of PSU-OUS, delivered an insightful Orientation on Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL). He underscored that the inherent flexibility of ODeL serves as a powerful tool for gender equity, allowing the university to reach learners who may face traditional barriers due to domestic responsibilities or socio-economic constraints. He emphasized that by integrating GAD principles into the ODeL framework, PSU-OUS isn’t just delivering education remotely—it is actively leveling the playing field for a more diverse student population.
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