"Revisiting Gender and Development Policies: Strengthening CODI in Gender-Responsive Higher Education Institutions" was conducted on October 28, 2024 via Zoom Conference and Facebook Mainstreaming by the Commission on Higher Education Region VII in collaboration with the GAD Region VII Focal Person Interim Officers and Negros Oriental State University.

The undertaking aimed to institutionalize and integrate gender equality, gender responsiveness, and sensitivity, protect the rights and welfare against-based sexual harassment, and strengthen the roles of Committees on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) in the higher education institutions.

Major topics discussed during the forum were CMO 1, Series of 2015 "Establishing the Policies and Guidalines on GAD in the CHED and Higher Education Institutions," discussed by Ms. Melissa L. Castillote, while GAD Focal Person Of CHED Region VII. Mr. Eldimario O. Antiquina, Jr, alternate Focal Person of CHEDRO VII talked about CMO 3, Series of 2022 "Guidelines on Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions." The GAD Best practices were presented by Atty. Archill Niña F. Capistrano, Coordinator of UP.

On the other hand, NORSU GAD Best Practices were discussed by Dr. Mayuan T. Calijan. Still from Negros Oriental, Atty. Marcelino Mikhael Lee L. Maxino extensively discussed the Roles and Responsibilities of CODI in higher education institutions. Atty. Maxino is the Administrative Adviser and Consultant of NORSU and the Director of Salonga Center of Silliman University.

NORSU President, Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, emphasized three points in connection to GAD which are the importance of Gender Equality, Intersectionality matters, and Policy & Action to address all issues.

"Education is a powerful tool for empowering Gender Development," Pres. Yasi said in his closing message.

Also present during the conference was Dr. Aileen Rosette Felix, Interim President, GAD Region VII, NORSU, Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Director IV of CHED 7 and Dr. Annabelle G. Maglasang, Interim VP- Public HEIS, GAD Region VII, Cebu.