ISPSC Center for Gender and Development

08/11/2025

𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐊 | Class & Work Suspension Advisory

Pursuant to PGIS Executive Order No. 29, Series of 2025, classes in all levels in both public and private schools, as well as work in public offices within the Province of Ilocos Sur, are suspended on November 10, 2025 as a preemptive measure in response to Typhoon “Uwan” (Fung-Wong).

Please stay indoors, remain vigilant, and monitor official channels for further updates.

For your reference, you may access the official copy of the Executive Order here:
https://tinyurl.com/PGISEONo29Seriesof2025

07/11/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | ISPSC Center for Gender and Development concludes Strategic Planning on the Development of GAD Agenda Phase 2

01/11/2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. LANIE B. TIU!

Your dedication and commitment as Chief for Gender Mainstreaming and GAD Coordinator of the Main Campus contribute significantly toward a gender-fair ISPSC community—one where inclusivity, empowerment, and equality truly thrive.

May your birthday bring you joy, strength, and continued inspiration to lead with empathy and excellence.

Greetings from your ISPSC-CGAD Family!

29/10/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍. 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐫!

Your appointment as the new Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Executive Director of CHED is a true reflection of your dedication, leadership, and passion for education.

The ISPSC Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) celebrates this milestone with pride and joy! Your journey continues to inspire women and advocates of gender equality everywhere.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍. 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐫!

The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) community, led by President Mario P. Obrero, extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Christine N. Ferrer on her appointment as the new Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Dr. Ferrer, who once served as Officer-in-Charge of ISPSC, has exemplified visionary and transformative leadership in advancing quality higher education. As she concludes her tenure as Regional Director of CHED Regional Office I, we are confident that her dedication, competence, and passion will continue to make a meaningful impact on the national stage.

Again, congratulations, Dr. Ferrer!

27/10/2025

The journey toward a gender-responsive and inclusive institution continues!

ISPSC gears up for the Strategic Planning on the Development of the GAD Agenda (Phase 2: Formulation of the ISPSC GAD Agenda) on November 3–5, 2025, at the RDETC Conference Hall, ISPSC Main Campus, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

With Dr. Presley V. De Vera, GAD Coordinator of Pangasinan State University-Open University System and a member of the Philippine Commission on Women's National Gender Resource Pool (PCW–NGRP) as the Resource Person, this activity aims to strengthen ISPSC's roadmap toward becoming a more gender-responsive and inclusive institution.

The ISPSC GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) members, composed of the College Key Officials, namely: SUC President, Vice Presidents, Campus Directors, Directors, and Deans, will attend and participate in the strategic planning workshop.

Together, let's continue advancing gender equality and inclusivity in ISPSC!

24/10/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | In its continuing effort to strengthen the development of instructional materials at ISPSC, the Chief for Instructional Material Development, Dr. Claire Antonette V. Santisteban, under the supervision of the Director for Instruction, Dr. Maria Teresa T. Garcia, conducted the Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee Meeting on October 24, 2025, at the AVR, ISPSC Main Campus, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The meeting brought together program heads and other representatives from various ISPSC campuses to discuss the procedures, guidelines, and composition of the committee.

Ms. Maribel C. Ibañez, Director of the ISPSC Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), also joined the session to emphasize the importance of integrating Gender and Development (GAD) principles into instructional materials and academic content.

The CGAD's participation underscores ISPSC's ongoing commitment to ensuring that learning resources promote gender-fair language, equality, respect, and empowerment for all learners, as well as the instructors.

This initiative reflects ISPSC's dedication to enhancing instructional quality and mainstreaming GAD across academic programs—ensuring that teaching and learning at ISPSC remain inclusive, relevant, and transformative.

24/10/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) students of ISPSC Main Campus, under the supervision of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Dr. Mary Grace L. Gacusan and BAEL Program Head Mr. Christian C. Abella, hold seminar on “Exploring Language in Politics, Society, Law, and Gender” on October 24, 2025, at the RDTEC Hall, ISPSC Main Campus, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Ms. Maribel C. Ibañez, Director of the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) and former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, served as one of the speakers. She discussed Gender-Fair Language, underscoring its role in promoting inclusive communication, dismantling gender stereotypes, and ensuring equity in academic and professional spaces.

The ISPSC Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) actively supports initiatives like this as part of its continuous commitment to advancing gender sensitivity and inclusivity across academic programs. Through such activities, ISPSC CGAD strengthens the integration of Gender and Development (GAD) principles in teaching, research, and student engagement, thereby strengthening a campus culture rooted in equality, respect, and empowerment.

This collaborative effort also reflects ISPSC’s vision of developing socially responsible and gender-sensitive graduates who serve as advocates for inclusivity and empowerment in their chosen fields.

24/10/2025

Language reflects how we see the world and how we value people in it.
Every time we choose equality in our words, we take a step toward a more inclusive society.

At ISPSC, we don't just talk about inclusion—we live it.
Together, let's champion Gender-Inclusive Language. We create a welcoming, equitable space where everyone in the community is seen and valued, regardless of their gender identity.

23/10/2025

Illocos Sur Polytechnic State College officially declares October 29–30, 2025, as a Mental Health and Spiritual Break, pursuant to Office Memorandum No. O-293, s. 2025, issued by President Dr. Mario P. Obrero.

​October 31, 2025, is also declared a Special Non-Working Day in observance of All Saints' Day Eve under Proclamation No. 727.

​This initiative underscores that rest is essential for growth. Through the lens of Gender and Development (GAD), ISPSC champions mental wellness, emotional balance, and spiritual care for all individuals, regardless of their gender or role within the institution.

​Let's take this time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourselves and your loved ones.

​A healthy mind and heart build a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowered ISPSC community.

​

23/10/2025

𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 | MMSU Gender and Development Engages with ISPSC CGAD on Best Practices

​The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), through its Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), welcomed representatives from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) for a benchmarking and collaborative engagement on gender and development best practices on October 21-22, 2025, at the ISPSC Main Campus, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

​Ms. Maribel C. Ibañez, Director of ISPSC CGAD, warmly received Ms. Nataliza L. Llapitan, MMSU GAD Director, along with the MMSU GAD Coordinators Jovelyn G. Lampac and Princess B. Muñoz. The engagement highlighted ISPSC's gender-responsive initiatives in instruction, research, and extension, including the provision of facilities.

​As part of the activity, the MMSU delegates also visited the different colleges within the ISPSC Main Campus to explore their GAD-related practices.

​The benchmarking activity served as a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experiences, strengthening the collaboration between ISPSC and MMSU. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing gender equality, inclusivity, and women's empowerment across higher education institutions in the region.

22/10/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | ISPSC Center for Gender and Development holds Phase 1 of Strategic Planning on Development of GAD Agenda

17/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Early detection significantly improves breast cancer outcomes. Here are the most practical tips, broken down into what you can do at home and with your doctor:

​1. Know Your Breasts (Breast Self-Awareness)
​The goal is to know what is normal for you so you can quickly spot any changes.

●​Perform Regular Self-Checks:
​Once a month, check your breasts for any changes in a way that is comfortable for you (e.g., in the shower, lying down, or in front of a mirror).
​The best time is a few days after your period ends, when breasts are least swollen or tender.

●​What to Look For: Report any of the following changes to your doctor immediately:
○​A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
○​Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
○​Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaly skin (like an orange peel).
○​Nipple changes, such as the ni**le turning inward (inversion), or unusual discharge (especially clear or bloody discharge).
○​Persistent pain in one spot that doesn't go away.

​2. Clinical Breast Exams (CBE)
​During your annual physical or check-up, ask your healthcare provider to perform a clinical breast exam (CBE).
​Your doctor or nurse will physically examine your breasts and lymph nodes for lumps or other changes.

​3. Screening Mammograms
​A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can often find changes years before you can feel them.
●Discuss Guidelines with Your Doctor: Most major health organizations recommend that women at average risk for breast cancer start getting mammograms:
○​Option to start annually at age 40.
○​Annually from age 45 to 54.
○​Every 1 to 2 years for women 55 and older.

●​Know Your Risk Factors: If you have risk factors (like a strong family history, known genetic mutations, or prior chest radiation), you may need to start screening earlier or have additional tests (like an MRI). Talk to your doctor about a personalized screening schedule.

​Key Action Point
​The single most important tip is do not ignore a change. If you notice anything new, unusual, or concerning about your breast, ni**le, or underarm area, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away.

Early detection saves lives.