Building an inclusive and Empowered Workforce: Gender-Active Team building for 2025
The Sulu State College (SSC) successfully conducted its Team Building Activity 2025 on December 20, 2025, at Mang Sali Beach Resort, Parang, Sulu, with the theme “Building an Inclusive and Empowered Workforce: Gender– Active Team Building for 2025.” The activity was organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit to strengthen teamwork, promote gender sensitivity, and foster an inclusive and respectful work environment among faculty and staff.
The program began with the registration of participants, followed by the Opening Prayer, the singing of the National Anthem, and the SSC Hymn. A Welcome Message, Statement of Purpose, and Overview of the Activity were delivered by Ms. Andramaida H. Sadjail, RN, RM, GAD Focal Person, who underscored the importance of creating safe spaces, upholding respect for diversity, and integrating gender-responsive practices in the workplace. This was complemented by a Short Lecture on Creating Safe and Inclusive Workplaces, which highlighted SSC’s commitment to promoting a discrimination-free, supportive, and gender-fair work environment.
An Inspirational Message from Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE encouraged participants to embrace collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility as key drivers of institutional success. A Recognition and Appreciation Segment followed, acknowledging the contributions and dedication of SSC employees, with an intermission number that fostered a relaxed and positive atmosphere.
The second part of the program featured team building activities, including group dynamics exercises and interactive games facilitated by the team building moderator, Sir Shien. These activities focused on enhancing trust, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and respect for diversity and inclusion, allowing participants to actively engage and work together toward common goals.
The activity concluded with a Closing Message by Prof. Nelson Julhamid, Ph.D, who expressed gratitude for the active participation of everyone and emphasized the importance of sustaining the values of inclusivity, teamwork, and empowerment in daily work. Overall, the SSC Team Building 2025 successfully strengthened camaraderie, reinforced gender and development principles, and reaffirmed the College’s commitment to building an inclusive and empowered workforce.
UNiTEd for a VAW-Free Philippines: SSC Holds Seminar for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women
Sulu State College, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, conducted a two-day Gender-Based Seminar in support of the national 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The activity took place on November 27–28, 2025 at the SSC Center for Culture and Arts.
The opening program was graced by Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, College President, together with Engr. Firash Zhed Ututalum, Dean of Student Affairs, who both delivered inspiring messages of support for the campaign.
Serving as the resource speaker was Ms. May Angelica A. Saudez, Senior GAD Specialist of PCW–SCD, who discussed Basic Gender and Development Concepts and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students actively participated in the sessions, strengthening the college community’s awareness and collective commitment to ending all forms of violence against women.
Sulu State College extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ms. May Angelica Saudez for sharing her expertise, to Ms. Andramaida Sadjail, RN, GAD Focal Person, and to Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE for her unwavering support to gender-responsive programs and initiatives.
This initiative reinforces SSC’s commitment to SDG 5: Gender Equality, promoting a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all. Through continuous awareness campaigns and capacity-building activities, the college stands firm in advocating for a community where women live free from violence, discrimination, and fear.
SSC Goes Orange: United for a VAW-Free Community
In support of the national observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and in line with the advocacy of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Sulu State College (SSC), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, implemented the activity titled “SSC Goes Orange: United for a VAW-Free Community” from November 25 to December 12. The initiative aimed to raise awareness on violence against women and girls (VAWG), promote women’s rights, and mobilize the SSC community toward collective action against gender-based violence.
The campaign formally commenced on November 25 with the posting of PCW-aligned campaign tarpaulins in strategic areas of the campus to visibly signify SSC’s participation in the national advocacy. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed, and orange ribbons were given to students, faculty, and staff to reinforce awareness and encourage active participation. These activities enhanced the visibility of the campaign and communicated key messages on VAW prevention and women’s rights.
Throughout the campaign period, orange ribbons were placed in all college buildings, including entrances, hallways, and common areas, serving as constant visual reminders of SSC’s commitment to a VAW-free and gender-sensitive academic environment. In addition, the College observed “Wear Orange Day” every Wednesday, encouraging students and employees to wear something orange as a symbol of solidarity, hope, and collective responsibility in ending violence against women and girls.
The sustained and campus-wide implementation of the campaign contributed to increased awareness and understanding of VAW and existing protection mechanisms among members of the SSC community. The visible advocacy strengthened institutional support for gender equality initiatives and encouraged both women and men to act as allies in preventing VAW. Overall, the activity reinforced SSC’s commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive learning and working environment, consistent with national GAD mandates and PCW advocacy.
Sulu State College Conducts Gender and Development (GAD) Training
Sulu State College successfully held a Capacity Building on Gender Mainstreaming, GAD Agenda Planning, Budgeting, and Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) on September 25–26, 2025 at the Conference Hall, SSC Hostel.
The program was formally opened by Prof. Nelson U. Julhamid, Vice President, who represented Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, College President.
The two-day training was facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Rosalyn R. Enchem, Faculty of the College of Liberal Arts, WMSU; National Gender Resource Pool; and PCW Gender Equality and Human Rights Advocate, who served as the resource speaker. The event gathered SSC officials, faculty, and staff to deepen their understanding of GAD concepts and practices.
Key sessions covered GAD concepts, gender mainstreaming in curriculum, research, and extension, gender analysis and tools, GAD guidelines, and GBP appreciation and formulation, with participants engaging in the presentation of the draft GBP.
The training concluded with the closing message of Mr. Kaisar Sakiran, Chief Administrative Officer.
Sulu State College extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Gender and Development Office for leading this initiative, and to the College President for the continued support toward fostering inclusivity and gender equality.
Sulu State College Conducts Benchmarking Visit at Cebu Normal University
Sulu State College (SSC), through its College of Teacher Education and Gender and Development (GAD) Office, conducted a benchmarking visit to Cebu Normal University (CNU) as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen academic collaboration and support institutional development.
The visit was led by Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, President of Sulu State College. She was joined by members of the SSC delegation, including Narcisa H. Mohammadhashim, Chief of Staff – Office of the President; Maribel Sarabi, Dean – College of Teacher Education; Prof. Anang Fatma Tagayan; Rasmil Abdurasul; Ma. Luz Carlos; Shiramie Juhudi; and Andramaida Sadjail, GAD Focal Person.
The SSC team was warmly welcomed by the officials of Cebu Normal University, headed by Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., University President. Both institutions shared insights and best practices in areas of instruction, research, and gender and development.
Sulu State College sincerely thanks the Cebu Normal University community for their warm welcome and the meaningful opportunity to share insights that will help enhance SSC’s academic programs and gender-responsive efforts.
SSC Launches Solo Parent Support Program to Empower Student-Parents
The Sulu State College (SSC) Gender and Development (GaD) Office, in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), successfully launched the Solo Parent Support Program in line with the RA 8972 at the SSC Center for Culture and Arts. The event gathered solo parents, faculty members, and students, alongside college officials, including Vice President Prof. Nelson U. Julhamid and Director for Student Affairs Engr. Firash Zhed Ututalum.
This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to solo parents within the SSC community, ensuring access to essential resources, guidance, and empowerment programs.
SSC extends its heartfelt congratulations to the GaD Office, led by Dr. Venjilyn Allian, and the Office of Student Affairs for the successful conduct of this meaningful event. The institution remains dedicated to implementing initiatives that promote student welfare and social development.
Empowering Student Leaders: Promoting Gender Equality and Respect through RA 9262 Seminar at Sulu State College.
The Sulu State College GAD Office is currently conducting a seminar entitled “Empowering Student Leaders: Building a Culture of Gender Equality and Respect through RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act)” today, May 30, 2024 at SSC Center for Culture and Arts.
The event was organized by the GAD office, led by Assoc. Prof. Venjilyn Alian, GAD Focal Person, along with other GAD coordinators.
Board Secretary Ms. Ayesha Rema Tan graced the event and delivered an inspirational message on behalf of the college president, Prof. Charisma S. Utulaum, CESE.
PCPT Rukaiza Aguil-Arip, Chief of WCPD-Sulu, serves as a resource speaker on the topic of RA 9262, Violence Against Women and Children, and participated by various stalwart students.
In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the Sulu State College Gender and Development Office successfully conducted a 3-day Seminar Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming Activities particularly on Mental Health Laws and Mandates and Committee on Decorum and Investigation with the theme, “Strengthen the Well-being and Mental Resilience of Sulu State College GAD Focal Point System in the New Normal”.
This was participated by the key officials of Sulu State College, Schools’ GAD Coordinators, and Student GAD Coordinators.
The speakers were Dr. Mariam Julkarnain, Prof. Nellibelle Ulama, Prof. Jeniffer Composa, and Mr. Arnold Ferolino which are all from Western Mindanao State University.
This was made possible through the initiative of the GAD Director of Sulu State College, Dr. Venjilyne I. Alian with the full support of the college President, Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE.
GLOBALIZATION AND INTERNATIONALIZATION IN THE PURVIEW OF GENDER EQUALITY AND REDUCTION OF INEQUALITY
The Sulu State College Gender and Development (GAD) headed by Dr. Venjielyn Alian conducted a Gender Mainstreaming on “Globalization and Internationalization in the Purview of Gender Equality and Reduction of Inequality” for the Sulu State College employees.
Resource Speaker of the seminar was Commissioner Jo Mark M. Libre, DPA from Commission on Higher Education and this was graced by the different Presidents from different Universities in Mindanao.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Commissioner Libre for the informative discussion and shared wisdom during the seminar which promotes the welfare of the employees.