NBSC SETS NATIONAL BENCHMARK WITH INCLUSIVE, MEN-LED WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION
Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) has officially concluded its month-long celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month on April 6, 2026, at the NBSC Covered Court, unveiling a unique institutional “best practice” that redefines gender advocacy through total community inclusion.
In a move considered a distinctive practice exclusive to NBSC, the College has moved beyond traditional observances by institutionalizing gender-specific advocacy groups. Alongside the established BAGANI Club, the college’s official men’s organization, College President Dr. Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera, CESE, has initiated the organization of the SIDLAK Club for women and HULAGWAY for the LGBTQIA+ community. This triad of organizations ensures that every member of the campus serves as an active stakeholder in advancing equality.
Reclaiming ancestral equality guided by the national theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the celebration focused on a historical restoration of pre-colonial gender systems as espoused by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
In her keynote address, Dr. Ganiera emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the Babaylan (women leaders and healers) and the Bagani (warriors and protectors). “The beauty of our history lies in its balance,” the President noted. “The Babaylan did not lead alone. Beside her stood the Bagani, who used their strength not to dominate, but to safeguard the peace”.
Throughout the month, the BAGANI Club stepped into their roles as modern-day allies by facilitating a diverse calendar of activities to honor their female peers. The BAGANI led various activities highlighted by the first-ever Fun Run and Amazing Race, high-energy physical events that served as a metaphor for moving forward in a synchronized stride toward equality. Weekly Zumba sessions were held every Wednesday to promote health and vitality among women and the entire academic community.
The institutionalization of the BAGANI, SIDLAK, and HULAGWAY clubs, led by their respective presidents: Pablito Amor C. Gumonan, Niemfa Love W. Mangsinay, MA, and Alven L. Gomez, MSEST, is regarded as a hallmark of NBSC’s commitment to gender-responsive education.
