Pursuant to Section 24 of the Code of Decorum and Administrative Rules on Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, and Inappropriate Behavior (“Code and Rules”), the UGDO shall have oversight of, monitor, and evaluate the University’s Decorum and Investigation System in general, and the implementation of the Code and Rules in particular. It is also tasked to:
Develop and coordinate the implementation of Gender and Development policies and programs including, but not limited to, preventive measures, for recommendation to the University President;
Develop and coordinate the implementation of curriculum and information, education, and communication programs on Gender and Development and this Code and Rules, in collaboration with the relevant offices and committees;
Coordinate the formulation and implementation of mandatory on-boarding and continuing training programs for all the members of the University Decorum and Investigation System as well as mandatory onboarding and refresher training for all University personnel.
The UGDO Director serves as ex-officio Chair of the University Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Committee, a body mandated by CHED CMO 1, s. 2015.
The current Director is Dr Maria Elissa J Lao. Melissa has chaired the said university committee since its creation on 16 March 2018.
Maria Elissa Jayme Lao is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University and currently the Director of the University Gender and Development Office. She received her Doctorate in Public Administration from the National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines, Diliman in 2011. Her current research includes work on Philippine foreign policy, migration and Philippine elections, democratization in the Philippines and DRR, resilience and social change.
She is also a member of the Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women in the Society of Jesus.
