The University of the Philippines Visayas Gender and Development Program (GDP) and the Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH), in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (OVCPD), conducted a series of Gender Awareness-Sensitivity Orientation and Anti-Sexual Harassment Orientation (GASO-ASHO) for 3rd party contractors and personnel in-charge of the construction of various infrastructure projects in the University.
The said activity seeks to raise the consciousness and stimulate the sensitivity of the participants on different gender issues and concerns, as well as increase their knowledge about gender-related laws, particularly the UP Anti-Sexual Harassment Code of 2017. Moreover, the GASO-ASHO session aims to enable the participants to re-examine their ideas, beliefs, attitudes, and opinions concerning gender relations and dynamics.
The first batch of the GASO-ASHO was conducted on 26 March 2025 at the GCEB Training Rooms, UPV Iloilo City campus. Thirty-seven (37) contractors and personnel in-charge of the construction of the UP College of Law Building and renovation of the UP High School Building in Iloilo City campus attended the said orientation.
Another GASO-ASHO session was conducted on 7 April 2025 at the UP Extension Campus, Pandan, Antique which was attended by twenty-six (26) contractors and personnel in-charge of the expansion and operationalization of UP Extension Campus in Pandan, Antique.
In both sessions, Ms. Kezzie Lyn B. Hilado, Director of the UPV Gender and Development Program, served as the resource speaker in the Gender Awareness and Sensitivity Orientation where she discussed basic GAD concepts and gender-related laws. She also presented the various gender-related programs, activities, and projects of the university.
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Orientation was given by Asst. Prof. Aniceta Patricia T. Alingasa-Aguirre, Coordinator of the UPV Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment. In her presentation, she discussed the salient features and provisions of the UP Anti-Sexual Harassment Code and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the university is a safe space for all members of the UPV community.
UPV employees, students, and 3rd party contractors are required to attend the GASO-ASHO spearheaded by the UPV GDP and OASH. The said orientation is one of the initiatives of the University to promote gender mainstreaming and foster safe spaces in its campuses.
