As part of Mountain Province State University’s (MPSU) broader vision to empower women, eliminate gender barriers, and challenge stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated fields such as Criminology, Agriculture, and Engineering, the Gender and Development Unit, in collaboration with the Management Information System Office and the Events Management Office, launched the project titled “Trailblazing Women at MPSU: Inspiring Change and Redefining Success Through a Transformative Promotional Film” from November 16 to 24, 2024. This initiative aimed to highlight the achievements of women in these fields, inspire change, and redefine societal perceptions of gender roles in education and careers
This initiative aligns with MPSU’s commitment to fostering gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as national and international mandates, including the Philippine Magna Carta of Women and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality.
The project was carried out in several well-defined stages to ensure its success. On November 16, the team conducted pre-production planning, which involved creating a comprehensive storyline for the promotional video and outlining each team member’s specific tasks and responsibilities. During this phase, the group decided on the video’s central theme and messaging, highlighting the achievements of trailblazing women in traditionally male-dominated fields and showcasing MPSU’s gender-responsive initiatives.
It was agreed that the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, in collaboration with representatives from the Events Management Office (EMO), Student Services and Development Office (SSDO), Management Information System (MIS) Office, and Public Affairs Unit (PAU), would handle key production tasks. These included conducting interviews with female students, faculty members, and alumni and capturing footage of facilities and landmarks at the Bontoc, Ba-ang, and Tadian campuses. This stage also involved gathering relevant data and stories to be integrated into the video.
Meanwhile, designated members of the MIS Office took on the critical role of post-production, including merging the footage, editing the material, and polishing the final video to ensure a professional and visually engaging output. Each task was carefully coordinated to reflect the overarching goal of inspiring change and promoting gender equality at MPSU.
From November 17 to 24, the production team filmed interviews and footage of various university facilities. The team conducted on-site visits to the university’s campuses and met with notable alumni who graduated from Criminology, Agriculture, and Engineering programs. These graduates were carefully selected to serve as role models, sharing their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success in their respective fields. The interviews delved into their academic journeys at MPSU, the support systems they utilized, and the impact of their education on their professional careers. Among the alumni interviewed, the production team selected four individuals who had achieved the most notable accomplishments in their respective fields to be featured prominently in the project. These alumni were chosen based on their exceptional success and impact in traditionally male-dominated fields such as Criminology, Agriculture, and Engineering. Their stories not only exemplified resilience and determination but also served as powerful examples of how women can excel and break barriers in these disciplines. Each selected alumna had a unique and inspiring journey, and their experiences were integral to conveying the message of empowerment and gender equality in the video project.
In addition to the interviews, the team also filmed key university facilities and campus environments, including classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor spaces, to visually represent the resources available to students pursuing these programs. This comprehensive approach ensured that the final video would effectively showcase the alumni’s achievements and the university’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
On November 25, 2024, the production team handed over the collected clips, interview footage, and other media graphics to the designated personnel from the Management Information System (MIS) Office. The MIS team was responsible for merging, editing, and refining the raw materials into a cohesive and visually compelling final video. This meticulous post-production process involved incorporating relevant data, enhancing visual and audio quality, and ensuring the narrative aligned with the project’s objectives. The preliminary video version was presented to the university’s officials once the editing phase was completed on November 26, 2024. During this review, the officials provided valuable feedback and final inputs to enhance the video’s impact and clarity. After integrating these suggestions, the finalized version of the video was officially turned over to the university administration on November 27, 2024, marking the project’s successful conclusion. This output was a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved and a significant step forward in MPSU’s advocacy for gender equality and inclusivity.
After creating the promotional film/video, the Unit, through Ms. Dixty L. Caranto, facilitated the initial screening and viewing of the promotional film. The activity was strategically conducted in chosen senior high schools in Mountain Province to solicit their input before the final video was released to students. During this initial viewing and screening, concerned officials and teachers of these schools provided valuable input and constructive comments regarding the promotional film. Their feedback focused on enhancing the film’s appeal and effectiveness in inspiring senior high school students, particularly young women, to explore traditionally male-dominated courses. Specific suggestions included incorporating more diverse testimonials from students, highlighting unique support programs offered by MPSU, and emphasizing the broader societal impact of pursuing careers in these fields.
