Batangas City, Philippines — Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to community involvement, inclusivity, and student well-being, Westmead International School (WIS) has successfully launched three institutional programs: the GAWAD Communities Program, the Gender and Development (GAD) Advocacy, and the Anti-Drug Education (ADE) Initiative.

The Guided Action for Welfare and Advancement in Development of Communities (GAWAD) Program was officially launched on December 9, 2024. This flagship extension initiative aims to mobilize students, faculty, and departments in conducting sustainable, values-driven outreach activities that uplift partner communities through health campaigns, livelihood training, environmental awareness, and educational programs.

“This is a movement of compassion and purpose,” shared Ms. Eunice D. Olan, Program Chair of the BA Communication Arts and GAWAD Coordinator. “Through GAWAD, we bring our learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community.”

The GAWAD Communities Program is implemented in collaboration with academic units such as the Higher Education Research Office (HERO), the National Service Training Program (NSTP), the various colleges, and the WIS Student Council.

Meanwhile, in line with the school’s commitment to equity and inclusivity, the Gender and Development (GAD) Advocacy was launched by the WIS GAD Office on February 5, 2025, led by Dr. Sherly C. Manalo as its coordinator.

The advocacy launch featured seminars, discussions, and campus-wide campaigns promoting gender sensitivity, respect for diversity, and awareness of gender issues. Dr. Manalo emphasized the importance of fostering safe spaces within educational institutions.

“Empowering every learner means recognizing their identity, voice, and right to belong,” she said during the launching ceremony.

Also launched was the Anti-Drug Education (ADE) Initiative, spearheaded by the WIS Student Affairs Office and coordinated by Prof. Armela P. Mercado. The program began with a student consultation on February 19, 2025, gathering insights from students on how to make drug prevention campaigns more engaging and relevant to the youth.

Prof. Mercado explained that the ADE program is designed not just to inform, but to empower.

“We are building a culture of awareness and responsibility. Our goal is not only to prevent drug use but to inspire healthy choices and positive peer influence.”

These three distinct programs—GAWAD, GAD, and ADE—represent WIS’s proactive and holistic approach to education: one that molds learners into community leaders, inclusive citizens, and responsible youth.