BSU celebrated Women’s Month through various activities that promote living a healthy lifestyle among its employees. The activities were led by various offices of the University in collaboration with the Gender and Development Office.

In summary, the activities conducted were the: ‘Employees Juana Ride’ from BSU, La Trinidad to Agoo, La Union on March 10, 2023; Seminar-Workshop on Gender Sensitive Research Proposal for DOST Funding on March 13-14; Forum on the History and Culture of the Cordilleras and CHamorus Indigenous Peoples on March 20; launching of the breastfeeding station at the College of Human Kinetics on March 29; and the webinar “ThinkTalk 4: Languages, Literature, Arts and Communication Series Providing Spaces for the Genders in Literature," on March 31. 

The month-long celebration culminated with the Health Forum with Doc for Juana and Juan and FIT Habit Kick-off Program on March 31. The activity was attended by President Felipe Salaing Comila. His message highlighted the role and significance of women in the society. He also shared the 5s of the eagle (Striking, Soaring, Sustaining, Sharing, and Steering) and the 5Ps of the heart (Passion, Perseverance, Persistence, Prayer, and Position). 

The forum included talks by the University Physicians. Dr. Jamel C. Olavidez tackled the Reproductive Cancers (Breast, Uterus, and Cervical) followed by Dr. Florence V. Poltic’s discussion titled, “Menopausal for Men and Women: Work Life Integration” Afterward, University Health Services Medical III and GAD-TWG Member Dr. Florence V. Poltic discussed the topic on Menopausal for Men and Women: Work Life Integration. Afterwards, College of Nursing (CN) Faculty and GAD-TWG Member, Dr. Jude L. Tayaben talked about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). 

The participants were entertained by students from the BSU Dramatics Club who portrayed the role, identity, and importance of women in the society through a performance. Part II of the activity was the Fitness Inspiration Transformation (FIT) Habit Kick-off for the year 2023. College of Human Kinetics (CHK) Faculty Member, Mr. Ryan C. Batinay led Martial Arts and Fitness basic stances, punches and self-defense poses. The participants next grooved to the Zumba Session led by CHK Staff Ms. Charvet P. Caytap and CN Faculty Member, Dr. Lawrence C. Caranto. In his closing remarks, Vice-President for Administration and Finance, Atty. Allan Casaldo Sacpa highlighted the role of “Juanas” and the significance of gender equality. He commended the organizers for organizing such an activity and the participants for always joining the GAD activities.//PJGadang