In line with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) commitment to uphold gender equality and foster safe learning and working environments in higher education institutions (HEIs), CHED Regional Office V, in partnership with the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Regional GAD Resource Center, conducted the Regional Capacity-Building Forum for the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) on October 20, 2025, at the New Blossoms Traveller’s Hauz Conference Hall, Tagas, Daraga, Albay.
The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of CODI members across HEIs in the Bicol Region to effectively manage cases of sexual harassment, discrimination, and other gender-based issues within their respective institutions. The forum also served as a platform to deepen understanding of gender mainstreaming in higher education and enhance institutional compliance with Gender and Development (GAD) mandates.
The forum commenced with the registration of participants, followed by an invocation, the singing of the CHED and CBSUA hymns, and the acknowledgment of attendees from various HEIs across the region. Mr. Emmanuel P. Nolasco, Administrative Officer III and Alternate GAD Focal Person of CHED Regional Office V, warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of continuous capacity-building for CODI members.
An overview and statement of rationale were presented by Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, Education Supervisor II and GAD Focal Person of CHED Regional Office V, who highlighted the vital role of CODI in ensuring gender-responsive and harassment-free academic institutions.
Two key discussions followed:
- Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education by Dr. Delma Jean V. Abad, Director of the CNSC Center for Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity (CNSC-CEID), who discussed strategies for integrating gender perspectives into institutional policies and programs.
- Capacitating the HEI CODI by Atty. Deonalaine Ivy P. Figura, Legal Officer of CBSUA, who tackled the legal foundations, procedures, and ethical considerations in handling complaints of sexual harassment and related cases within HEIs.
The forum concluded with an open discussion facilitated by Mr. Emmanuel P. Nolasco, providing participants the opportunity to clarify issues and share best practices. Certificates of commendation were awarded to the resource persons and to CBSUA as the Regional GAD Resource Center, followed by the distribution of certificates of appearance to all participants.
The activity successfully strengthened participants’ understanding of their roles as CODI members and enhanced institutional capacity in handling gender-related concerns.
The Regional Capacity-Building Forum for CODI was a significant step toward enhancing the capability of higher education institutions to address gender-based issues through responsive and effective mechanisms.
The activity not only strengthened participants’ knowledge of gender mainstreaming but also reinforced the importance of maintaining integrity, confidentiality, and sensitivity in handling cases of harassment and discrimination.
CHED Regional Office V, in partnership with the CBSUA Regional GAD Resource Center, remains committed to sustaining these initiatives through continuous capacity development, policy reinforcement, and advocacy for safe, inclusive, and gender-fair academic spaces.
In attendance:
Atty. Mary Joy Bongapat, Head of Legal Affairs Unit/ CODI Chairperson
Riche Justine Duran, GAD Director/ CODI Member
Maria Crisanta Mella, OSDS Director/ CODI Member
Maria Angelica Perez, Legal Assistant of Legal Affairs Unit
Sorsogon State University – Office of the Gender and Development
