CMDI now has a Gender-Neutral Restroom
The CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office inaugurated a Gender-Neutral Restroom for its students who belong to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or LGBTQ Community through a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 7, 2019 at the school’s ground floor.
The new facility aims to increase awareness, promote gender equality, and create a friendly environment for its students in line with the Department of Education Order No. 32, series of 2017 or the Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy; Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 01, Series of 2015 or Establishing the Policies and Guidelines on Gender and Development in the Commission on Higher Education and Higher Education Institutions/ HEIs; and as part of contributing in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG # 5 or Gender Equality, set by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs, Ms. Deverna Briones, emphasized the importance of an individual’s identity towards personal development. “Regardless of gender and status in life, we all have roles, duties, and responsibilities to contribute as individuals,” she said.
Moreover, Ms. Briones reminded students that whatever the gender is, it is important to fairly treat everyone with respect and accept each difference to contribute in achieving equality not just in the school environment but also throughout the community.
“We all deserve to be respected. Respect is part of our universal human values,” she added.
“We are very grateful to the institution for providing us the Gender-Neutral Restroom. We truly appreciate CMDI for recognizing the LGBTQ Community,” beamed Ralph Vincent Varilla, Grade 12 student.
CMDI highly respects the diverse beliefs, views, and rights of its students as well as their gender identity and preferences; and constantly guides students in their educational journey.
Ralph Vincent Varilla, Grade 12 student, assisted Ms. Briones in leading the ribbon cutting and inauguration of CMDI’s Gender-Neutral Restroom.
By Dianne B. Ubaldo; Photos by Joephet Claro