A consolidated institutional article for Benilde’s SDG 5: Gender Equality reporting | Academic Years 2024–2025
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) continues to strengthen its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality through a series of institutional initiatives promoting Gender and Development (GAD), gender sensitivity, inclusive leadership, and safe learning and working environments.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVPLMSL), the Center for Social Action (CSA), the Policy Development Office (PODO), the Center for Restorative Discipline (CRD), and other institutional units, the College has undertaken learning sessions, advocacy campaigns, leadership briefings, and community-based training programs.
These initiatives reflect Benilde’s approach to integrating gender equality into institutional governance, student development, associate engagement, and community partnerships. The following activities demonstrate the College’s continuing efforts to build a gender-responsive, respectful, and inclusive academic community.
Institutional initiatives and highlights
Starting the GAD Journey: Learning Session and Benilde GAD Agenda Formulation
March 20–22, 2025 | Balay Indang, Cavite
Led by OVPLMSL, the three-day learning session brought together representatives from academic and non-academic units to establish a foundation for institutional GAD mainstreaming. Participants, designated as GADvocates, explored SOGIESC, gender-fair communication, and the Safe Spaces Act. A collaborative writeshop supported the identification of priorities for Benilde’s GAD Agenda, marking an important step toward integrating gender-responsive practices across the College. Benilde SDG Center
GAD learning session and agenda writeshop
GOD and GAD: Rediscovering Spirituality in a Gendered World
June 9, 2025 | Duerr Auditorium, Taft Campus
As part of Benilde’s gender equality and inclusion advocacy, the College organized GOD and GAD, a dialogue exploring the relationship between spirituality, gender, faith, and inclusivity. The activity encouraged participants to reflect on how faith-based values and respect for human dignity can contribute to understanding diverse gender experiences and fostering an inclusive Lasallian community.
Published SDG activity, Official Benilde Site
Faith, gender, and inclusion dialogue
AdbokaSerye: Kasarian – Gender Sensitivity Training for Community and Institutional Partners
June 14 and 17, 2025 | Ideation Room
In collaboration with the Center for Social Action (CSA), Benilde extended its gender equality advocacy beyond the campus through Gender Sensitivity Training for Benilde Kapitbahayan Partners and institutional partners. The sessions introduced gender-responsive perspectives and encouraged participants to recognize stereotypes, practice inclusive communication, and promote respect and equality within their respective communities and organizations.
Supporting evidence: June 14 and 17 activity write-ups and photographs, pending publication.
Gender sensitivity training for external partners
Basic GAD and SOGIESC Learning Session for Benilde Associates
June 23, 2025 | Auditorium, Taft Campus
Through the Policy Development Office (PODO), Benilde conducted a foundational learning session on Gender and Development and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC). The activity supported associate awareness of gender diversity, respectful workplace interactions, and gender-responsive institutional practices, contributing to the College’s efforts to strengthen inclusion among its personnel.
Supporting evidence: PODO learning session documentation, pending publication.
GAD and SOGIESC learning for associates
Walang Bastos sa Benilde: Safe Spaces Act Orientation
July 28 and August 4, 2025 | Taft Campus
Benilde reinforced awareness of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, through separate orientation sessions for students and associates. Facilitated by GAD Specialist Nicole Trisha Panganiban, the student session discussed gender-based sexual harassment, reporting procedures, institutional support mechanisms, and individual rights and responsibilities. The initiative strengthened awareness of respectful conduct and the College’s commitment to preventing harassment in educational and workplace settings. College of Saint Benilde
Read institutional news report
Safe Spaces Act orientation for students and associates
Specialized Gender Sensitivity Training for the Center for Restorative Discipline
August 18–20, 2025 | Benilde Retreat and Conference Center
OVPLMSL, in partnership with CRD, conducted specialized Gender Sensitivity Training for associates serving as frontliners in student discipline and welfare. The three-day program covered foundational GAD and SOGIESC concepts, gender-fair communication, the Safe Spaces Act, and institutional response mechanisms. It particularly strengthened the capacity of CRD personnel to handle gender-based sexual harassment concerns through restorative, gender-sensitive, and policy-aligned approaches. College of Saint Benilde
Read institutional news report
Strengthening GADvocacy Through Collaborative Talks with Centers and Schools
August–December 2025 | Various Benilde campuses
OVPLMSL expanded GAD education through collaborative sessions with the Center for Learning Resources (CLR), School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG), and campus safety and security personnel. These targeted learning sessions addressed GAD principles, SOGIESC, gender-based harassment, and the Safe Spaces Act, equipping students, associates, and frontline personnel with knowledge relevant to their respective roles. The initiative demonstrates how gender-responsive education can be integrated into the daily operations of academic and administrative units. College of Saint Benilde
Read institutional news report
Institution-wide GAD awareness and capacity-building
