Tarlac State University, through its Office of Gender and Development (OGAD), conducted the seminar titled “Ready, Resilient, and Safe: Building a VAW-Free, Gender-Responsive, and Disaster-Ready TSU” on November 6, 2026 at the TSU Gymnasium.
The activity aims to strengthen awareness of violence against women and their children (VAWC), promote gender equality, and reinforce the university's commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and disaster-ready community.
In his opening remarks, Vice President for Administration Dr. Marlon V. Gamido emphasized that building a VAW-free and gender-responsive university is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and active participation of the entire TSU community.
Meanwhile, the message of Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano, delivered by her Executive Assistant, Ms. Diona D. Macasaquit, emphasized fostering a university community where every individual is safe, respected, empowered, and protected from all forms of discrimination, abuse, and bias.
She further stressed that understanding these issues equips the community with motivation, courage, and responses to confront threats, ensuring that no member of our community is left behind.
The activity focused on the discussion by Atty. Vivien Coleen A. Yalung from the TSU School of Law, who discussed “Understanding Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) as a Human Rights and Social Development Issue,” sharing VAWC-related cases to help participants better understand the different forms of abuse, their implications, and the importance of awareness and collective action in preventing gender-based violence.
In her closing remarks, OGAD Director Assoc. Prof. Christine Janelle M. Santiago emphasized that gender equality, safety, and inclusivity are institutional priorities that require everyone's commitment and support.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Office of Human Resource Management and Development, TSU Non-Academic Staff Association, OUHS-Pollution Control and Safety Unit, and the OGAD team for their dedication in making the activity possible.
Through this initiative, TSU continues to strengthen its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and VAW-free university where everyone shares the responsibility of building a more gender-responsive and resilient community.
Photo by: Mary Joy B. Manalo
