Anchored on the theme “Sama-sama sa Paglalayag Tungo sa Pagkakapantay-pantay” and this year’s sub-theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” the event gathered university leaders, staff, and students from across all campuses, who showcased empowering modern babaylan-inspired outfits in celebration of women’s strength and identity.
University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas who was represented by Vice President for Academics and Student Services Dr. Weenalei Fajardo delivered a message of support, highlighting the vital role of women in institution-building as pillars of dreams and drivers of the future. In his address, he encouraged everyone to be fearless, purposeful, and transformative—not only for women, but for all genders—in fostering a more inclusive academic community.
Also present were Vice President for Administration and Finance Management Dr. Jeanilyn Villanueva and Vice President for Research, Extensionmand Innovation Dr. Razeale Resultay, who both expressed their continued support for gender-inclusive initiatives within the university.
Further enriching the celebration, the keynote speaker, Dr. Poppy Febriana, S.Sos., M.Med.Kom, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Indonesia, shared a compelling case study on women in leadership. In her presentation titled “PKK: More Than a Program,” she emphasized three core strengths of women leaders: influence, trust, and communication—demonstrating how these qualities create impact across both urban and rural communities.
She concluded her message with a powerful reminder: “Leadership is earned, not assigned.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Beverly Fernandez, GAD Coordinator of Lingayen Campus, delivered a heartfelt testimonial recounting her journey as a guidance counselor since 2017. She shared how PSU once had limited guidance counselors and, through sustained efforts and initiatives, has now grown to have six—reflecting the university’s strengthened support system for student welfare.
The event also recognized student participants who actively engaged in various activities throughout the month-long celebration.
In closing, GAD Director Dr. Romary Lincod encouraged the PSU community to remain united in advancing gender and development advocacy beyond the celebration.
PSU reaffirms its commitment to its mission of producing inclusive, human-centered, and gender-sensitive individuals who can contribute meaningfully to both national and global communities.
