Centring <i>Kapwa</i> and <i>Loob</i> : Exploring Ethnic Values in Evaluating Ethnic Communities

The Philippines’ longstanding commitment to gender equality is evidenced by global rankings and its national laws. Despite these efforts, issues persist in higher education, including gender-based violence. This article examines how culture and cultural values prevent gender programme and policy implementation within the context of Philippine universities through a culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) approach and Sikolohiyang Pilipino , an indigenous Filipino psychology framework. Using a case study of University Gamma, a private religious institution in Mindanao, the research explores the factors that influence the absence of the institution’s formal gender policy. Through semi-structured interviews with administrators, student leaders, and faculty, the study identifies themes of gender equality, gender erasure, and the perpetuation of ‘ hombre ’ or a misogynistic male culture. The themes highlight the normalisation of gender-based violence, which undermines gender equality initiatives. Concepts such as kapwa (shared inner self) and loob (one’s inner self) from Sikolohiyang Pilipino facilitate a deeper understanding of cultural nuances that impact gender programme and policy implementation. The study emphasises the importance of cultural competence in evaluating gender issues and advocates for more culturally responsive approaches to achieve genuine gender equity in Philippine universities.