As part of the University’s celebration of National Women’s Month, a themed flag-raising ceremony was conducted to honor the invaluable contributions, leadership, and roles of women in nation- and community-building. The activity also aimed to promote gender awareness, solidarity, and inclusivity among students, faculty, and staff across the University community.

In line with the celebration’s theme, members of the University community were encouraged to wear purple or ASEAN-inspired attire during the ceremony. Purple, recognized as the official color of Women’s Month, symbolized dignity, justice, and equality. The program featured the PCW-recommended All-Women Cast rendition of the Lupang Hinirang and the GAD Advocate Prayer, highlighting women’s voices and leadership in the observance.

The University Chancellor also delivered a message during the ceremony, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

To further enrich the program, MSU-IIT Echoes performed the songs “Bahaghari” and “Dagan,” musical pieces that reflected themes of strength, resilience, unity, and collective struggle. Through this commemorative and advocacy-driven activity, the University reinforced its commitment to fostering respect, empowerment, and recognition of women across all sectors of the academic community.  [See more.]

The University community observed Purple Wednesdays throughout the month of March, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to wear purple attire in support of Women’s Month. This initiative promoted collective participation and strengthened the visibility of gender advocacy within the University through a simple, inclusive, and voluntary expression of support.

As part of the Women’s Month celebration, the main LED screen in the university will feature women’s month -themed visual displays throughout the month of March. The display will include Women’s Month messages, advocacy statements, and gender-related reminders that promote women’s rights, empowerment, and gender equality.

Project CLIMA underscores the vital role of women in leading climate action and advancing environmental sustainability. Held on March 1, 2026, in celebration of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, the initiative empowers women to take active roles in disaster preparedness, particularly in addressing climate- and fire-related risks. Through this program, MSU–IIT strengthens community resilience by supporting women as key agents of change in building safer, more inclusive, and sustainable environments. [Read more]

On March 2, 2026, the MSU-IIT Kalilang Traditional Music Ensemble held a special musical showcase titled “Gongs of Grace: A Celebration of Women’s Month & Kalilang’s Legacy.”

The event highlighted the power and elegance of M’ranao kulintang music, honoring the women who serve as culture bearers, leaders, and artisans in preserving Mindanao’s rich musical traditions.

Through the performance, the ensemble paid tribute to the vital role of women in sustaining and transmitting cultural heritage, reaffirming the significance of traditional music as a living expression of identity, community, and artistry.

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, MSU-IIT Project CLIMA conducted an online forum titled “From Civic Duty to Climate Action: Your Role Matters,” which gathered more than 150 participants, the majority of whom were women. The forum highlighted the important role of women and communities in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development.

Keynote speaker Cris Gel Loui A. Arcadio, a PhD student from the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, discussed pressing environmental concerns such as microplastic pollution and the vital role of mangrove forests in climate change mitigation and coastal protection. The discussion emphasized the need for responsible consumption, environmental awareness, and stronger community engagement in climate action.

Organized by Project CLIMA in partnership with the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) and Gender and Development (GAD) Office, the event reaffirmed the university’s commitment to empowering communities—especially women and youth—to take an active role in promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.  [Read more.]

In celebration of Women’s Month, the College of Computer Studies (CCS), in collaboration with the Gender and Development Center (GADC) and the Office of Student Development Services (OSDS), conducted the activity “Safe Spaces for HER: Advancing Gender Justice through Digital Accountability” on March 11, 2026, at the Training Room, MICeL Building.

The activity aimed to raise awareness on gender justice, promote safe and inclusive spaces, and strengthen digital responsibility in addressing online harassment. Participants engaged in discussions on the Safe Spaces Act and participated in interactive activities that encouraged reflection and commitment toward fostering respectful and inclusive communities both offline and online.  [Read more.]

The activity provided accessible sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education to around 30 deaf female adolescents and young women aged 13–24, including both in-school and out-of-school youth with limited access to accurate SRH information. The session covered topics such as menstrual hygiene management, teenage pregnancy prevention, and HPV awareness, delivered through sign language interpretation, visual materials, and interactive learning activities to ensure inclusivity and understanding.

By addressing the intersecting challenges of gender inequality and disability, the initiative promoted equitable access to reproductive health information, strengthened participants’ confidence and autonomy, and encouraged informed health decisions while linking them to available local health services for further support.