Pangasinan State University offices have been receiving visits for their quality practices and standards, including Gender and Development Office.
The university welcomed the delegation of Isabela State University and shared best practices in PSU-GAD processes held on December 5, 2025.
PSU President, Dr. Elbert M. Galas, said that Gender and Development must not be treated merely as concepts written in manuals, but should be clearly articulated and integrated into the university’s processes.
“GAD is a broad concept which makes it a part of the Office of the President. We see to it that the gender and development policies must be properly engraved in every operation of PSU from the smallest unit to the biggest division,” President Galas added.
PSU Practices on GAD materials such as publication, programs, initiatives and manuals took centerstage.
Dr. Juan Primitivo P. Petrola, Director for Presidential Management & Liaison Office, welcomed the ISU delegation giving emphasis on the indispensable contribution of GAD to education, community and even to the wide spectrum of humanity.
“It’s high time that GAD concepts must go beyond narratives and through GAD, we create an atmosphere and safe spaces where gender biases and stigma don’t exist. It must serve as a vehicle to create awareness and noise about the “anti bastos law,” officially known as the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313), as an offshoot to RA7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995,” Director Petrola said.
Dr. Petrola, as a GAD Advocate, shared his concepts of bringing in GAD concepts and Mental Health as a program which he said is timely and an area awaiting discovery.
Meanwhile, PSU GAD Director, Dr. Romary R. Lincod, led the discussion on best practices and talked about the importance of unity and collaboration for a strong operation of the office.
Dr. Lincod was joined by GAD campus coordinators and accommodated the ISU team for an office tour for a firsthand experience of GAD operations in the university. PRIO Director, Ms. Venus May H. Sarmiento, also in attendance.
ISU GAD Focal Person and head of the delegation, Ms. Marissa H. Valdez, thanked PSU officials for their openness to sharing practices and warm accommodation.
