IN CELEBRATION OF National Women’s Month, we recognize every woman and their all-around role in global and national progress and development. Whether in the educational, political, socio-economic, or any field, women everywhere are striving.
So for this month, we advance the promotion of women’s empowerment toward accelerating gender equality. To that end, let’s look into two of our exceptional institutional administrators and understand how they strive to uphold equal gender opportunity in the educational field, particularly inside the campus, as they shine in their respective roles.
Dr. Divina M. Edralin, Vice President for Academics and Director of the Research and Development Center
A multitasker at heart, Dr. Edralin holds two vital positions in the University—being the Director of the Research and Development Center on one hand and the Vice President for Academics (VPA) on the other.
From her experience, she shares that San Beda University (SBU) mandates three functions: “teaching, researching, and engaging with the community.” In the context of both research and academics, Dr. Edralin says that she finds it meaningful to “answer the call” of SBU’s furtherance of gender equality, giving both men and women equal opportunity in academics, research, and community engagement.
“So, the University provides the opportunity. So, what do I do as the Research Director? That particular hat I’m wearing, what I do is to motivate faculty members, give confidence [to faculty members] to undertake research,” said Dr. Edralin, emphasizing the significance of motivating students and faculty on matters regarding millennials, mental health, safe spaces, inclusivity, and diversity, among others.
As she trains her sights toward scholarly articles and contributions, Dr. Edralin, as the VPA, likewise guides the University’s faculty members into becoming effective teachers and educators.
“I [schedule] faculty development training [programs], for example, in terms of Pedagogy (means method of teaching)… Part of support [also] is to provide tuition fees and dissertation support for faculty who would like to pursue their doctoral studies… So, what we support is the doctoral degree. We conduct other training programs… We also support in terms of seminars and wellness in terms of lessening stress, even similar to students, mindfulness, meditation, stress management,” said Dr. Edralin.
Additionally, the VPA says that she is also focused on scheduling seminars towards her scope of expertise, such as the recent “Safe Spaces Act” in the Graduate School of Business (GSB). Through this, she stressed the need for men to be educated about women’s issues if people are to understand their responsibility in helping women, as “it cannot be only women talking about women.” In the same way, men must “participate” in programs such as gender training and sensitivity.
Dr. Edralin also pointed out that men’s traditional view on the role of women establishes the need for “further education.” She affirmed that, with the onslaught of gender equality initiatives, men need to be reoriented on women’s progressive roles.
“No amount of education among women will happen in terms of significant changes unless the men who are doing it are educated,” said the VPA.
Women in society were always given unequal opportunities compared to men, “but that should change,” added Dr. Edralin, stressing that “we [women] are not weak.”
As a female administrator in a male-dominated profession, she believes that educators must teach men that women should also grow not only professionally but – holistically.
She then went on to further explain how her myriad of roles and responsibilities are a testament to a new age where women receive various opportunities, along with the challenge of being able to manage issues.
When asked how she was able to handle all tasks, Dr. Edralin spoke on the significance of commitment. “Whether you’re a male or a female, if you have the commitment in the belief that you have to be in service to God and to our country… you will be able to perform, that’s important.”
Dr. Tita Evasco-Branzuela, Vice President for Linkages and International Affairs
While Dr. Tita may be a familiar face in the university corridors, many are unaware that she serves as one of the University’s key representatives to foreign visitors and dignitaries. This role has taken her to numerous countries, showcasing her ability to excel on the global stage. Her journey underscores the notion that a woman can achieve remarkable feats when presented with opportunities and the determination to seize them.
Dr. Tita was appointed Vice President for Linkages and International Affairs (LIA) back in 2016, but she has been linking local agencies and international embassies already as early as 1991.
Amidst all the late evening phone calls from partners based in different time zones abroad, Dr. Tita still finds her job as “easy as cake.” “I do not consider it as a big challenge, the role, because I see it as a man or a woman can do it if one will give himself or herself the best foot forward with service sa heart,” said Dr. Tita.
As the VP for LIA, she has led the organization of various international webinars. Among which is “Womenomics: Towards a More Gender-Inclusive Economy,” co-organized with the Department of Economics and Public Policy and the San Beda Economics Society (SBES). They also co-organized this event with Dr. Titiek Kartika Hendrastiti, who is another empowered woman in the educational field involved with the Indonesian Women’s Coalition for Justice and Democracy, Asia Pacific Forum for Women, Law, and Development (APWLD), Women, Law, and Development International (WLDI), Asia Pacific for Women and Politics (CAPWIP), and many others. In addition to this, LIA also facilitates women’s engagement, with Bedan faculty members representing womanhood in local and international activities. Collaborating with SBU professors, ongoing discussions are underway for international research collaboration on gender sensitivity.
As a mother figure to the Bedans, Dr. Tita treats the students and younger faculty members as if they were her own children. In fact, when SBU first opened its doors to women, transitioning from an all-boys school to an institution of inclusion and diversity, she says that “Doon lumabas ‘yung pagiging nanay ko,” as she shared how it “warms her heart” when young girls have brought inclusivity in the University.
Aside from her work at the LIA office, Dr. Tita also mentioned that she loves to talk to students and to guide them as she continuously engages with them and gives them suggestions for their organizational outputs. Dr. Tita recalled times in her office when former Bedan students would approach and visit her earnestly. With this, the students she once mentored are now professionals coming from several fields, namely law, local enterprises, government, and non-government organizations, to name a few.
Reminiscing on her touching encounters with her students, Dr. Tita sincerely expressed that “it’s very heartwarming that they remember their mother.”
The LIA office also provides a list of activities for the Bedan community to take part in, may it be in the local or international field. One of their activities is the Social Enterprise for Economic Development (SEED), wherein they helped three groups engage with the community.
One of which aided women to generate income through livelihood programs called “Kababaihan Para Sa Kabuhayan” (Livelihood of Women), another group helped in the production and marketing of an organic dishwashing liquid made from mango and guava skin called “Organique,” and the third group conducted a study on “Samahan ng Kababaihan” who produce foot rags for extra income in Antipolo.
Dr. Tita herself has served as a speaker at various SBU programs with partnered institutions and networks. But more than that, she is also the Executive Director of the ASEAN Learning Network (ALN), the Regional Representative of the Philippines to the Regional Network for Poverty Eradication (RENPER), Board of Management, Executive Secretary of Swiss Asean Learning and Teaching (SALT), and the Evaluator/Coach/Mentor of Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC).
With all her achievements, the Vice President for LIA firmly believes that people must realize that they should share with others. “Hindi ka lang nakatuon sa sarili mo kasi that would mean that you did not recognize yourself as a gift to be given a way. Just be willing to share yourself for the betterment of others and the world where you live,” Dr. Tita asserted.
Their tip for young women: Dream big
There are many young women out there who have yet to explore what they want to do in life. They might not have figured it out yet, but they sure do have big dreams. While it would take a lot of steps to reach the esteemed roles that both these empowered VPs hold, their stories are an empowering reminder, inspiring us that we can make it as there is always a steppingstone in every way.
As Dr. Edralin stated, an opportunity along the way just proves one’s capabilities. Aside from the confidence boost, she asserted that everything a person does should be meaningful. “It is to find meaning in what you are doing; we call it purposeful. You need to be purpose-driven” as it entails the fact of what dreams are – they revolve around a person’s vision and mission in life.
For her part, Dr. Tita says that a person must realize that their existence should be considered as God’s gift to others. “Each one is a gift from God to the world, tayo. So, we should appreciate others as well because each one is a blessing. “
In the end, what could be more empowering than realizing and sharing our dreams-turned-realities? These two empowered female VPs are living testimonies that women can go farther. If you believe and act on your pursuit, a dream never stays a dream! You must believe amidst uncertainty, act even when you’re scared, and fight even if you only have you! It is a leap of faith, and those who have the courage and perseverance to jump into the world of struggles and opportunities will ultimately shape it into something more.