Aimed at strengthening awareness and collaboration among stakeholders while advancing inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and Indigenous leadership in Central Luzon, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), through its proposed Diploma in Women, Peace and Security (DWPS) Taskforce in collaboration with the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, conducted an online academic dialogue titled “Women, Peace and Security and Indigenous Leadership in Region III” on April 29, 2026.

In her message, NEUST President Rhodora Jugo emphasized the University’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive education and fostering partnerships that empower both women and Indigenous communities.

The morning session, facilitated by Ms. Kathline Tolosa, Director for Governance and Resilience of The Asia Foundation in the Philippines, featured discussions on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), including institutional directions and governance frameworks.

Meanwhile, the afternoon session focused on a structured academic dialogue and stakeholder consultation for the proposed Diploma in Women, Peace and Security with specialization in Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives, delivered by various NEUST administrators.

The dialogue gathered key agencies and sectors, including the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region III, led by Regional Director Atty. Antonio Roman, along with provincial offices from Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Aurora, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Bataan, as well as Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs).

Also in attendance were representatives from local government units (LGUs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region III and its provincial and city offices, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Education (DepEd) Region III.

The NEUST DWPS Taskforce is composed of representatives from ReCIPE, the Graduate School, the Office of Curriculum Development and Evaluation, and the Office of Planning and Development.

Through this multi-sectoral engagement, NEUST continues to position itself as a proactive institution in advancing policy dialogue, academic innovation, and inclusive development—ensuring that no sector is left behind in the pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable progress.

#SDG5GenderEquality
#SDG16PeaceJusticeAndStrongInstitutions
#SDG4QualityEducation
#SDG10ReducedInequalities
#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals