The Office of Gender and Development (GAD) at Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), mandated by RA 7845 and strengthened by the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), serves as the university’s primary mechanism for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development. Guided by MSUN’s vision as “a forward-thinking university fostering innovation in research and education in aquatic and allied sciences,” the GAD Office advances gender mainstreaming through four core functions: instruction, research, extension/community service, and administration/governance.

Through these functions, the GAD Office integrates gender perspectives in education and training, promotes gender-responsive research, leads advocacy and community engagement programs, and strengthens institutional policies and governance systems for gender equality. Collectively, these efforts ensure that MSUN’s academic, research, outreach, and administrative initiatives are inclusive, equitable, and transformative, contributing to sustainable and gender-responsive development in Mindanao and beyond.