Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Western Philippines University supports this goal by promoting equal opportunities, inclusive participation, and respect for the rights and dignity of all members of its academic community and partner communities. Through its institutional programs, policies, instruction, research, and extension initiatives, the university advances awareness of gender equality, addresses gender-related concerns, and encourages the meaningful participation of women in education, leadership, research, and community development. It also promotes safe and inclusive learning and working environments, supports initiatives that prevent gender-based discrimination and violence, and provides opportunities for women and girls to develop their knowledge, skills, and leadership capacities. By integrating gender perspectives into its institutional operations and community engagement, WPU contributes to building a more equitable and inclusive society. These efforts align with SDG 5’s objectives of eliminating discrimination and violence against women and girls, ensuring equal opportunities for leadership and participation, and strengthening policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and empowerment.
Our initiatives
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WPU Debuts at QS Asia Ranking 2027, First in MIMAROPA
Western Philippines University (WPU) marks a historic milestone as it enters the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 for the first time, signifying an important step in its pursuit of academic excellence, international recognition, and institutional development. This achievement also brings greater visibility to higher education in Palawan and the MIMAROPA Region. According to the… Read more
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Empowering Youth: WPU Hosts Teenage Pregnancy Awareness Symposium
Amid growing concerns surrounding teenage pregnancy, the WPU-Health Services Office, in partnership with the WPU-Office of Gender and Development, conducted the Teenage Pregnancy Awareness Symposium last December 5, 2025, at the WPU Gymnasium. The event brought together young learners in a shared space not only for discussion, but for deeper understanding of a pressing social… Read more
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PCAP Region IV Honors WPU-CCJE Faculty
The Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Region IV honored eight faculty members of Western Philippines University–College of Criminal Justice Education (WPU-CCJE) for their exemplary service during the Criminology Profession Week celebration on November 19, 2025, at the Lyceum University of the Philippines Auditorium, Batangas City. Awardees included Mr. Maphilindo D. Lao, who received the Governor’s Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer Award and the Governor’s Advocacy and… Read more
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𝐖𝐏𝐔 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
The newly elected officers of the Western Philippines University Federation of Supreme Student Councils (WPU FSSC), led by Mark Rainer B. Jayme of Aborlan Main Campus, formally took their oath of office this week, signaling the start of a new term focused on strengthening student leadership and representation across all WPU campuses. Administered by University President… Read more
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Health in Action: WPU’s Commitment to Community Care
Guided by the university’s vision and mission and anchored in its core values, the Western Philippines University (WPU) – Health Services Office continues to play a vital role in promoting the well-being of the entire WPU community. As a support unit open to all students, faculty, and staff, it provides accessible health-care services along with… Read more
Policies
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Maternity Leave
WPU complies with Republic Act No. 11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which grants eligible female employees 105 days of paid maternity leave, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days without pay. Solo mothers are also entitled to an additional 15 days of paid maternity leave, subject to the law’s provisions.…
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Anti-Harassment
WPU upholds Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, and Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. Through these laws, the university demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of all members of…