The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) has made history once again after spearheading the offering of the Diploma Course in Women, Peace and Security (DWPS) โ the first of its kind in Central Luzon.
NEUST and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the diploma course with Specialization in Indigenous Peoples Perspectives in a ceremony held today at the Mini Convention Center, NEUST Sumacab Campus.
University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo and DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, represented by Ms. Rosalie Abesamis, DBM Region III Regional Director, led the ceremonial signing of MOU with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) III Presidents to formalize the collaborative commitment of NEUST and partner institutions to implement and sustain the postgraduate diploma program.
โIn a world where conflict, inequality, and insecurity persist in many forms, our presence here today is a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to advancing inclusive education and addressing the urgent issues that impact our society, particularly those challenges that affect women and marginalized sectors across Central Luzon,โ said President Jugo.
โWe are especially inspired by the strong and unified support of the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) across Region III. Our collective endorsement of this program reflects the power of regional collaboration in addressing both national and global challenges,โ the NEUST President added.
Meanwhile, RD Abesamis emphasized the broader implications of the initiative, saying: โToday, we are not just taking part in a local initiative โ we are now part of a global movement aimed at promoting peace, equality, and womenโs rights in all spheres of society.โ
โ[DWPS] program will equip graduates with the skills to develop gender-sensitive peace agreements, advocate for women’s participation in decision-making, and design culturally relevant interventions to address the needs of indigenous communities,โ said RD Abesamis.
She also urged the SUC Presidents to continue to push for this advocacy โby providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration, integrating a gender approach across all stages of the peace process and mainstreaming such agenda across various national initiatives.โ
The MOU was signed by President Jugo (NEUST), RD Abesamis (DBM), President Evaristo Abella (Central Luzon State University), President Arnold Velasco (Tarlac State University), President Ruby Matibag (Bataan Peninsula State University), as well as SUC representatives including Dr. Sonny Torres (Tarlac Agricultural University), Dr. Oscar Barrawid (Aurora State College of Technology), Dr. Ronald Alonzo (Bulacan Agricultural State College), Dr. Romeo Inasoria (Bulacan State university) Dr. Evageline De Guia (Philippine Merchant Marine Academy), Dr. Nemia Galang (President Ramon Magsaysay State University), Dr. Philip Carlo De Leon (Don Honorio Ventura State University), and Dr. Amalia Briones (Pampanga State Agricultural University).
RD Abesamis also received the Gawad LAKAMBINI award on behalf of Secretary Pangandaman, who was honored as a Champion of Women, Peace, and Security in recognition of her unwavering support for gender-responsive governance and inclusive development.
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Developed through the NEUST Graduate School and the Regional Center for Indigenous Peopleโs Education (ReCIPE), the course aligns with the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) 2023โ2033 and other international frameworks promoting gender equality, peacebuilding, and Indigenous rights.
Dr. Nancy Joy Mangansat, NEUST Director for Curriculum Development and Evaluation and Program Leader, presented the program overview.
She emphasized the diplomaโs goal to address existing gaps in capacity-building for Indigenous women and peace advocates, and to foster academic, research, and policy-oriented training that integrates Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
Outlined in the MOU are several areas of cooperation, including the promotion of awareness and enrollment across academic institutions, LGUs, NGOs, and IP communities; mobilization of experts as lecturers, and involving faculty in curriculum development and quality assurance; joint research projects, case studies, and policy development; community-based projects; and support for WPS principles in policy discussions and advocacy campaigns.
Also in attendance were representatives from key government agencies, including Dr. Donato Bumacas, Provincial Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; Helen Bagasao, Cabanatuan City Social Welfare and Development Office Head; Lucia Naboye, LGU San Jose City Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative; and Lus Aleriso, LGU Cabanatuan City Treasurer.
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