PCW, CHED CO validate SLSU GAD initiatives for GADTIMPALA Awards
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Commission on Higher Education Central Office (CHED CO) conducted a two-day onsite validation at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) on May 12–13, 2026, as part of the GADTIMPALA assessment. The activity aimed to evaluate the university’s Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, institutional mechanisms, and gender mainstreaming efforts across its campuses.
GADTIMPALA, which stands for Gender and Development Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages, and Advocacies, is the official awards and incentives program of the PCW. It recognizes government agencies, state universities and colleges, and organizations that demonstrate exemplary initiatives and sustained commitment to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and gender-responsive governance.
Day one of the validation focused on SLSU’s compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, s. 2015, alongside focus group discussions with beneficiaries of the university’s extension programs. These included the SHELS Project of SLSU San Juan Campus, as well as the GenderSAFE and SHIELDS Projects of Maasin City Campus. The validation activities were led by Ms. Jocelyn Balanag and Ms. Sol Theresa Logo of the CHED Central Office. The day concluded with onsite visits and inspections of key facilities to assess the university’s institutional GAD mechanisms and systems, including its gender-responsive curriculum, childcare facility, and support programs.
On the second day, the GADTIMPALA Validation Team, led by Ms. Clehenia Aurora B. San Juan of the PCW, together with Mr. Marven Mosquida and Ms. Reia Paulyne Gordovez, conducted the validation of the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF). The assessment covered the university’s GAD-related policies, people, enabling mechanisms, and programs, activities, and projects (PAPs). These included student development initiatives, curriculum integration, infrastructure, library resources, and support services that promote inclusivity, gender responsiveness, and equal opportunities within the academic community.
The GADTIMPALA validation process is a rigorous, technical, and document-based evaluation designed to determine the extent of institutionalized gender mainstreaming within an organization. It involves the thorough review of policies, issuances, reports, accomplishment documents, monitoring tools, and means of verification (MOVs), complemented by interviews, focus group discussions, and facility inspections. Through this comprehensive process, the validation team assessed the effectiveness, sustainability, and impact of SLSU’s GAD initiatives in promoting gender-responsive governance, inclusive education, and equitable service delivery across the university.
The onsite validation reaffirmed SLSU’s continuing commitment to strengthening gender-responsive governance and fostering an inclusive academic environment that advances equality, empowerment, and social transformation. Aligned with global development commitments, these initiatives also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality, quality education, and reduced inequalities.