Isabela State University (ISU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, formally joined the national 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with a gathering themed, “United Voices: ISU’s Call to Action for Safe Spaces, Brave Voices, and Zero Violence”, on December 1, 2025 at the ISUE Amphitheater.
The event was attended by students, faculty, staff, and partners as an act of standing against all forms of gender-based violence and to promote a safe and inclusive academic environment.
The program opened with an overview to present the national movement’s history and the importance of participation in strengthening public consciousness. The Orange Icon Ceremony was also facilitated to symbolize the University’s pledge to the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls.
One of the event’s key highlights was the launching of the Knowledge Management System (KMS) for the University GAD Office, designed to centralize gender-related policies, reports, resources, and learning materials. The said KMS was developed and presented by Dr. Mark Renel Molato (GAD Focal Person, ISU San Mariano), who gave an overview of the KMS and discussed its system features and navigation, along with a live system demonstration.
ISU also formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Mengal Women, a community-based organization dedicated to women’s empowerment and violence prevention. The collaboration aims to develop joint programs, community engagements, and support services that extend ISU’s reach beyond the University.
Moreover, the event featured an in-depth educational talk on Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, delivered by Atty. Marie Grace Marcos (Attorney IV, Commission on Human Rights R02).
The session covered the following topics, including the overview of RA 9262 and its implementing rules and regulations; various forms of VAWC identified by the law; protection orders and legal remedies available to survivors; reporting mechanisms and institutional roles; and the critical role of the University in prevention, early detection, and survivor support.
Through this event, ISU continues to promote gender equality, raise awareness on women’s rights, and participate in the nationwide campaign to eradicate violence. By combining advocacy, education, partnership, and technology, ISU hopes to move toward a safer academic community for all.
