𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑮𝑨𝑫 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The JHCSC Gender and Development (GAD) Office, led by Director Dr. Trinidad C. Abapo, spearheaded the culminating activity in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month 2025 on March 14, 2025, at the Main Campus Gymnasium, Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur. Centered on the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event fostered empowerment, renewed commitment, and a collective call to action for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The activity began with “The Art of Self-Care,” an initiative by the GAD Office that offered free manicure and pedicure services to JHCSC faculty and staff. This initiative highlighted the importance of self-care and well-being among educators and employees, emphasizing personal empowerment as a key element of gender advocacy. In the afternoon, the event featured a lecture by Atty. Esther Marie S. Ringon, Board of Trustees (BOT) Secretary and JHCSC Chief Legal Officer.

The lecture was attended by esteemed college officials, including Dr. Jerry B. Superales, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Resource Generation; Dr. Jonno E. Tan, Dean of Student Affairs and Services; Mrs. Jonah T. Salaguste, Main Campus Guidance Counselor; and Hon. Cyrusdirk L. Elle, Student Trustee. Faculty members, employees, Gender Club members, and students actively participated in the event, reflecting the institution’s commitment to gender inclusivity. Atty. Ringon delivered an insightful discourse on “Protecting Women’s Rights: Breaking Barriers for Equitable Opportunities in the Philippines.” She emphasized the critical role of women in various sectors and urged them to assert their rights, seek support, and reject fear as a barrier to empowerment.

Following the keynote address, a Zumba competition was conducted as a concluding activity, fostering camaraderie and promoting wellness among participants. Representatives from the School of Teacher Education (STE), School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Studies (SAFES), School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), and the Administration and Staff showcased their enthusiasm and teamwork. The STE team secured first place, followed by SAS in second, SAFES in third, and the Administration and Staff in fourth place.

Dr. Abapo expressed her profound appreciation to JHCSC President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales for his steadfast support in advancing gender advocacy within the institution. She underscored the significance of continuous efforts toward creating an inclusive academic environment that upholds and promotes gender equality, reaffirming JHCSC’s dedication to fostering a more just and equitable society.