2024 Reports | SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Isabela State University (ISU), a leading public higher education institution in the Cagayan Valley region of the Philippines, continues to uphold its founding principle: “University for People.” This guiding dictum reflects ISU’s enduring commitment to inclusive development, equitable access to education, and community empowerment. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), ISU has institutionalized policies and programs that dismantle barriers to participation, especially for marginalized and underrepresented groups. Through its multi-campus system, ISU reaches diverse learners across rural and indigenous communities, ensuring that education becomes a tool for social mobility and justice.
PROPORTION OF FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS
PROPORTION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
PROPORTION OF EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES
MEASURES AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
Isabela State University (ISU) admissions framework is explicitly non-discriminatory and gender-responsive, anchored in national legislation such as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), ensuring that all individuals have access to education and employment opportunities.
The University’s Policy on Gender Responsive Admission upholds and institutionalize gender equality, gender responsiveness and gender sensitivity, which ensures that all qualified applicants, especially those in the marginalized sector (i.e., people with disabilities and indigenous people), are given fair and equal opportunity to pursue higher education.
Furthermore, the University also adheres to the Enhanced Directive on Inclusivity and Equal Access for Underrepresented Groups, which further ensures that all individuals have equal opportunity to participate in the university’s programs and activities, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, social status, or disability.
Access to University Track Underrepresented Groups Applications
Isabela State University (ISU) demonstrates its strong commitment to inclusive and equitable education through tracking the admissions of underrepresented groups. For 2024, ISU recorded a total enrollment of 42,798 students, with 53.26% female (22,794) and 47.64% male (20,002), reflecting gender balance in access to higher education. The university also ensures that students with special needs are provided with equal learning opportunities—1,077 students, or 2.52% of the total population, are recognized and supported through ISU’s inclusive education programs. In addition, ISU upholds its social responsibility to assist financially disadvantaged students, with 39,373 out of 42,798 learners (equivalent to 92%) receiving financial aid. This demonstrates ISU’s dedication to removing economic barriers and promoting access to quality education for all. Collectively, these figures highlight ISU’s holistic approach to equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in higher education—ensuring that no student is left behind.
Recruitment of Individuals from Underrepresented Groups
Isabela State University (ISU) upholds its commitment to fairness, diversity, and inclusivity through the implementation of its Equal Employment Opportunity Policies (EEOP). These policies ensure that all employment practices—particularly in recruitment, selection, promotion, and retention—are guided by the principles of merit, competence, and equal opportunity. The EEOP strictly prohibits any form of discrimination based on age, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, civil status, disability, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background, guaranteeing that every applicant and employee is treated with dignity and impartiality.
ISU also actively encourages applications from underrepresented and marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and indigenous peoples (IPs), to promote representation and inclusivity within the workforce. Job postings, recruitment materials, and public announcements consistently emphasize the University’s adherence to diversity and equal opportunity principles. Through these measures, ISU ensures that employment opportunities remain accessible, transparent, and merit-based, reflecting its broader commitment to social justice, human rights, and equitable institutional development.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Isabela State University enforces a robust anti-discrimination policy that prohibits bias based on gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, political beliefs, and socio-economic status. This policy is grounded in national laws including RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), and RA 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons). The university conducts mandatory orientations for faculty and staff on gender sensitivity and anti-discrimination laws to foster a respectful and supportive campus culture.
University Diversity and Equality Office
Isabela State University (ISU) upholds a strong institutional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights through the leadership of its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, which serves as the University’s central coordinating body for these initiatives. Mandated by the ISU Board of Regents and chaired by the University President, the GAD Office is responsible for the formulation and implementation of gender-responsive and inclusive policies, the conduct of capacity-building programs, and the promotion of advocacy activities that advance equality and social justice across all campuses. It also ensures gender mainstreaming in academic, research, and administrative operations, addressing the needs of women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized sectors.
To further strengthen inclusivity efforts, ISU is also developing a Diversity and Inclusion Office, which will focus on mental health, psychosocial well-being, and cultural inclusion among students and employees. This forthcoming office will work collaboratively with the GAD Office to deliver specialized support services and promote a safe, respectful, and empowering campus environment. Through these mechanisms, ISU demonstrates a proactive and institutionalized approach to upholding diversity, equity, and human rights—ensuring that every member of the university community is valued, respected, and given equal opportunity to thrive.
Accessible Facilities
Isabela State University (ISU) demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility by continuously investing in barrier-free infrastructure and facilities that promote mobility and independence for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Across its campuses, the University has installed ramps, wheelchair-accessible pathways, handrails, and covered walkways designed to meet accessibility standards and ensure safe movement throughout academic and administrative buildings. These enhancements are part of ISU’s broader effort to create a disability-friendly learning and working environment, enabling students, employees, and visitors with physical limitations to navigate the campus comfortably and confidently.
Beyond structural improvements, ISU integrates accessibility into its campus development and planning policies, ensuring that new facilities are designed with universal access principles in mind. This sustained commitment not only upholds compliance with the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277) but also reflects the University’s core values of equality, social responsibility, and inclusive education—affirming that every individual, regardless of physical ability, has the right to participate fully in academic and community life.
Disability Support Services
Priority support services are available through the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), which addresses the unique needs of people with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women. The PACD has been established to assist all individuals, particularly the vulnerable and underrepresented groups, who need immediate assistance.
Isabela State University (ISU) also provides priority lanes in offices on all campuses for people with disabilities and other groups who are entitled to priority service, allowing them to be immediately accommodated when addressing their concerns, ensuring a quick and easy service without the stress of long queues.
Disability Access Scheme
The University has also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (EEOP), which ensures that recruitment, selection and placement practices are fair and equitable without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, ethnicity, race and/or disability. The university actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including PWDs and indigenous peoples. Recruitment materials and job postings explicitly state ISU’s commitment to diversity and meritocracy, ensuring that employment opportunities are accessible to all qualified individuals.
Disability Accommodation Policy
Isabela State University (ISU) upholds a strong commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity through the institutionalization of its Reasonable Accommodation Policy for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This policy ensures that students, faculty, and staff with disabilities are provided equitable access to education, employment, and university services. Anchored in Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and Republic Act No. 9710, the Magna Carta of Women, the directive mandates full compliance with national standards on accessibility, inclusivity, and gender responsiveness.
The University allocates adequate funding mechanisms to support this policy, which cover infrastructure improvements such as ramps, accessible facilities, and assistive technologies, as well as academic and workplace accommodations tailored to individual needs. These may include flexible learning arrangements, accessible materials, and support services to ensure full participation in academic and professional activities.
Through this rights-based and well-supported framework, ISU reaffirms its role as a progressive institution that values diversity and empowers all members of its community. The University’s continued investment in accessibility initiatives reflects its unwavering dedication to social inclusion, equity, and the holistic development of persons with disabilities.
Anti-Harassment Policy
Isabela State University (ISU) upholds a firm institutional commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and harassment-free environment for all members of its community. The University enforces strict policies prohibiting all forms of harassment, forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor, ensuring full protection of human rights and dignity in the workplace. In line with this commitment, ISU has formally adopted the provisions of Republic Act No. 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, which strengthens Republic Act No. 9208, An Act to Eliminate Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. This legislative alignment underscores ISU’s proactive stance in safeguarding employees and students from exploitation and abuse.
To operationalize these principles, ISU established the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) through Office Orders Nos. 11 & 12, s.2024, tasked with preventing, addressing, and resolving cases of sexual harassment and related violations involving both teaching and non-teaching personnel. CODI functions as an independent and impartial body that ensures every complaint is treated with confidentiality, fairness, and due process. Through this mechanism, ISU promotes ethical conduct, accountability, and respect across the institution.
By embedding these safeguards into its governance framework, ISU fosters an inclusive and empowering environment that upholds the rights, dignity, and well-being of all. This reflects the University’s broader dedication to ethical governance, social justice, and compliance with national and international human rights and labor standards, solidifying its commitment to a workplace and academic community free from harassment and discrimination.
ISU COMMITMENT IN PROMOTING SDG 10
Isabela State University’s performance in 2024 reflects a deep institutional commitment to reducing inequalities and advancing inclusive development. Through policy innovation, infrastructure investment, and community engagement, ISU continues to break barriers and empower learners and staff from all walks of life. These efforts contribute meaningfully to the global agenda for sustainable development and affirm ISU’s role as a transformative force in higher education.