University Gender and Development Focal Committee (Memo U2425-032)

I am pleased to appoint the following as members of the University Gender and Development Focal Committee effective September 2024 to July 2026:

Mrs Niña Ann S Ajon - Ateneo de Manila Grade School
Ms Eveth Ella-Balce - Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business
Mr Carlo Carlon - Ateneo de Manila Junior High School
Dr Michelle Pia Eustaquio - School of Science and Engineering
Atty Catherine Gonzales - John Gokongwei School of Management
Dr Maria Elissa J Lao - ex-officio
Dr Cristina Liamzon - Ateneo School of Government
Ms Isabel Consuelo Nazareno - School of Social Sciences, Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design
Atty Patricia Cervantes-Poco - Ateneo Law School
Dr Rachel Joyce Marie O Sanchez - School of Humanities
Ms Jerlita O Sianda - Ateneo de Manila Senior High School
Dr Florentina Villanueva - Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health

This committee is part of the GAD Focal Point System which the University created in compliance with the CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No 1-2015 on Establishing the Policies and Guidelines on GAD in CHED and HEIs pursuant to the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710; enacted in 2009) and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877; enacted in 1995).

The University GAD Focal Committee works closely with the President’s Council and reports to the President. The committee’s main functions are as follows:

• Develop GAD policies and programs for recommendation to the President;
• Prepare the annual Gender Plan and Budget for submission to CHED;
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the GAD plan; and
• Establish a system to ensure the University’s compliance with CMO No 1-2015 and related laws and issuances.

Section 24.1 of the Code of Decorum and Administrative Rules on Sexual Harassment, Other forms of Sexual Misconduct and Inappropriate Behavior designates the University Gender and Development Office as the coordinator of the system.  As such, Dr Maria Elissa J Lao, Director of the University Gender and Development Office chairs the committee. On behalf of the Ateneo de Manila, I thank the members of this committee for their generous commitment to help us in this truly vital concern of gender and development.

For your information and guidance.