𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧: 𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

As part of the ongoing National Women’s Month Celebration, the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office conducted a meaningful activity titled “Hands of Modern Babaylan: A Painted Commitment To Gender Equality,” on 4 March 2026 in front of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Library Building. The initiative served as a symbolic expression of solidarity and reaffirmation of the University’s steadfast commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.

The program opened with welcome remarks from the Director of GAD, Dr. Ma Theresa B. Nardo, who emphasized the importance of sustaining inclusive and gender-responsive efforts within the academic community. Delivering the opening message was Dr. Mariane P. Villaruel, Director of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) and member of the National GAD Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), who underscored the shared responsibility of advancing gender equality through collective action.

A highlight of the activity was the ceremonial clenched-hand painting led by University women leaders, symbolizing unity, strength, and a firm commitment to upholding gender equality as one of the university's philosophical values. The event concluded with a closing message from Ms. Maribel S. Ramales, Assistant Director of the GAD Office, who encouraged the TAU community to continuously translate advocacy into concrete actions that promote respect, inclusivity, and empowerment for all.

Through initiatives such as this, TAU continues to affirm its steadfast support for the goals of National Women’s Month, strengthening solidarity, celebrating women’s achievements, and reinforcing its pledge to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.