On October 3, 2026, Guimaras State University (GSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, in collaboration with the GSU Federated Alumni Association Inc. (GSUFAAI), conducted a joint outreach initiative, bringing gender-responsive healthcare, medical consultation, and legal assistance closer to the University community and its stakeholders.

Held at the Agri-Eco Convention Hall, Salvador Campus, the Forum on Gender Responsive Healthcare, Medical Consultation, and Accessible Legal Counseling Program carried the theme “Legal and Medical Empowerment,” placing access to professional services within the broader context of gender responsiveness and community welfare.

The activity opened with preliminary exercises and opening addresses. Dr. Erwin D. Dumagpi, Director of the Alumni Affairs and Job Placement Office, welcomed the participants and set the proceedings in motion, followed by GAD Director Mrs. Frennie D. Zarate, who laid out the rationale and objectives of the initiative.

OIC Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Ervin L. Isogon delivered a message emphasizing the place of accessible healthcare and legal assistance in a responsive university environment. He stressed the value of initiatives that bring professional services within reach of individuals who may otherwise encounter practical or institutional barriers in seeking medical and legal assistance.

Meanwhile, GSUFAAI President Hon. Jeyson Esmaña brought to the fore the association’s commitment to community welfare, gender sensitivity, and the provision of accessible professional services, reinforcing the alumni sector’s role in extending assistance beyond the University’s academic functions.

The opening program featured two short lectures that provided the conceptual footing for the succeeding services. A guest legal expert delivered “Justice as Accessible Care,” which centered on access to legal assistance as an essential component of community welfare. A guest medical practitioner followed with “Healing with Gender Sensitivity,” discussing the importance of a gender-responsive lens in the delivery of healthcare.

The forum subsequently shifted from discourse to direct service through simultaneous medical and legal assistance activities. A voluntary blood donation drive and general medical consultations were conducted at the Agri-Eco Convention Hall, while free legal counseling was made available at the Child Minding Center.

The parallel services gave participants direct access to professional assistance, translating the forum’s focus on empowerment into concrete avenues for healthcare, blood donation, and legal consultation.

Certificates of appreciation were later presented to the volunteer professionals and participating partners in recognition of their contributions to the outreach initiative.

GSUFAAI Vice President Mr. Reynan C. Gallo delivered the closing message, expressing appreciation to the organizers, volunteer professionals, and stakeholders whose participation enabled the conduct of the activity. Ms. Daverose S. Gallego served as master of ceremonies.