Caraga State University (CSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Program and Training Development Unit successfully hosted the 1st Caraga Regional Research Conference on Gender and Human Rights Studies on March 25, 2026, in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) – Caraga, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Caraga.
The conference brought together researchers and representatives from across the Caraga Region, including participants from People Power Volunteers for Reform Caraga, Commission on Population and Development – Caraga Region, Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc., Department of Education, Department of Health – CHD Caraga, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Philippine Normal University Mindanao, and various private institutions. The event featured 23 research papers that contributed to the growing body of knowledge in gender and human rights studies. The parallel sessions for the research paper presentations were grouped into three thematic clusters: 1) Gender, Law, Conflict, and Human Rights; 2) Gender, Media, Technology, and Education; and 3) Gender, Development, Health, and Sustainable Livelihoods.
The plenary sessions featured the following distinguished experts in the field, including Dr. Raquel M. Balanay, Director of CCAARD, who presented “Gender in AANR: What Have We Missed?”; Ms. Lallen B. Quismundo, Head of the PNU Mindanao GEDI Unit, who delivered “Surfacing Regional Realities: Advancing Gender Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights in Higher Education”; and Mx. Hamilcar B. Chanjuceo, Jr., Supervising GAD Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women – North Mindanao Field Office, who discussed “Performing Peace: Pasundayag and Creative Pathways to Women, Peace and Security in Mindanao”.
A welcome message from the Project Manager of FNF Philippines, Ms. Yanyan Araña, set the tone for meaningful and engaging discussions of the event. In their messages of support, University President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil and Dr. Nelia A. Alibin, Regional Director of CHED Caraga, both underscored the importance of research, collaboration, and evidence-based approaches in advancing gender equality and human rights in the region. Atty. Aurora Luanne R. Cembrano, Regional Director of CHR Caraga, who also attended the conference, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration, research, and advocacy in advancing gender equality and human rights in the region.
A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place during the event to strengthen partnerships and deepen institutions’ shared commitment to promoting gender-responsive research and advocacy.
Through this initiative, Caraga State University and its partner institutions reaffirm their commitment to promoting gender-responsive research, inclusive development, and the protection of human rights, further strengthening the role of academia in shaping a more equitable and empowered society.
