On July 18, 2025, Batanes State College (BSC) advanced its Gender and Development (GAD) efforts through a benchmarking activity at Benguet State University (BSU).

BSC President Djovi R. Durante, Director for Administrative and Finance Services (DAFS) Romina Katrina B. Bernardo, and Director for Internationalization and External Linkages (DIEL) Daryl Alva B. Duguran commenced the visit with a courtesy call on BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan at his office, where they presented a token of gratitude.

Following the formal courtesies, BSC delegates, including GAD Focal Person Zoe Dympna H. Cartaño, engaged in focused discussions with key BSU officials for the benchmarking activity. These officials included Jude L. Tayaben, BSU GAD Director; Estrellita M. Daclan, Budget Office SAO and former GAD Director; Raymondo H. Pawid, Jr., Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) Supervising Administrative Officer; and Ramon Fianga-an, Jr., Head of the Office of Student Services – Testing Unit.

Discussions covered critical areas of GAD implementation, spanning Administration, Human Resources, Student Services, Budget, and SOGIE Policy. This benchmarking provided BSC with valuable insights into BSU’s successful GAD programs and policies, directly informing and enhancing BSC’s future initiatives.