USM GAD Culminates National Women’s Month; Gov Lala as guest speaker

With its goal to celebrate the triumphs and the role of women in our society, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Gender and Development (GAD) office initiated a culmination program for National Women’s Month at USM Auditorium, Kabacan, Cotabato, on March 22, 2024.

In putting more meaning and power to the culmination, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza, MNSA, graced the activity as the guest of honor and speaker. She underscored the significant role of parents to the students. She even shared personal experiences to bring inspiration to the audience. “Our generation is truly different from before, so every time I talk to parents, I tell them to prepare you to be resilient, patient, and stable.”  She spoke.

Moreover, in her opening message, Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, the Vice President for Research and Development Extension (VPRDE), recognized the roles of men and women in the community. “As we end Women’s Month, let us draw inspiration from accomplished women like Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Plang because, without her, there will be no USM.” She concluded.

In an interview, Prof. Roselyn M. Clemen, the USM GAD focal person, said that the GAD activities started on March 08  through a Zumba dance activity, lecture on the Safe Spaces Act, Gender Sensitivity training, and contests such as essay writing, slogan making, poster making, and video making that served students of the university.

Guided by its theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kayayahan ng Kababaihan Patutunayan.”, the event was co-spearheaded by the Political Science Society and the University Student Government (USG).