March 2, 2026—Caraga State University, through its Gender and Development Office (GAD), once again served as host of the city-wide Women’s Month Kick-Off Celebration. The event gathered around 20 agencies across Butuan City, making it one of the most well-attended editions of the celebration to date.
CSU’s President, Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, welcomed the delegates through his privilege speech. He highlighted women’s contribution to the university’s growth and direction. He shared that women have long been integral to CSU’s history, citing Honorable Elisa Rosales Ochoa, a Butuanon and the Philippines’ first female legislator, who was instrumental in passing an Omnibus Bill establishing the Agusan Agricultural High School (AAHS) that later became Caraga State University. Her legacy, he noted, proves that women are not just participants in our university’s story, but among its very foundations. He further emphasized that sustained support for women’s rights and full potential must be embraced as a societal commitment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alexander A. Makinano, the Regional GAD Chair, reinforced the discussion by emphasizing men’s role as partners in advancing women’s rights. Among the many key points mentioned, his clarification that GAD initiatives are pro-equality rather than anti-men—aimed at correcting systemic imbalances and fostering inclusive progress—stood out as particularly significant.
CSU’s monthlong celebration will feature a series of activities to honor women’s achievements, leadership, and welfare. These include Rosas Para kay Juana, and Walk and Jog for Health, HERstory: University-Wide Search for Exemplary Women, and the 1st Caraga Regional Research Conference on Gender and Human Rights Studies.
Happy National Women’s Month, CSU! Bugsay!
