In a powerful stand against gender-based violence and injustices, the Women’s Month advocacy event “Usapang Lakas at BATAS: Kita Tanan, Patas” took place in Brgy. Balabag, Dumangas, Iloilo on March 30, 2025, accumulating 25 participants.
With the theme: “Babae sa lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas," the event not only celebrated women’s strength, but also highlighted a student-led initiative rooted in advocacy education.
Leading the advocacy project is a group of UP Visayas (UPV) students under Social Science 5 - Section 4, headed by Professor Mary Barby Badayos-Jover, as a part of their course curriculum and in celebration of Women’s Month. In collaboration with the SK Chairperson of Brgy. Balabag, Jerold Garcia Declaro, who is also a student under Social Science 5, the initiative became a reality, enabling the class to create a safe and empowering space where women could learn, share, and stand in solidarity.
Translating advocacy into action, the team’s commitment was evident from start to finish. The students arrived from Miagao, Iloilo to the venue and quickly got to work with the preparations, assembling the tables, food, drinks, and the goodies to be given out to the attendees for their participation. The projector was set up, and the participants soon arrived—most notably the student council of the nearby Zarraga National High School.
The event was hosted by students Monique Margaret Jalbuena and Ethan Balisang, and featured three main presenters. Lyra Angela Temperatura opened the session with the talk on “Ano ang Sexual Harassment?” followed by Jean Frances Kershey Ong who discussed “Ano ang mga batas na nagpoprotekta laban sa Sexual Harassment?”
The final presentation, “Paano kung na-sexually harass ka?” was delivered by Kate Catherine Pacheo. Additional interactive activities were also conducted by Allura Catriona Pacson, Michael Baylon, and others.
Beyond organizing the event, the class also shaped its heart and message. The core of “Usapang Lakas at Batas: Kita Tanan, Patas” was a candid and courageous conversation about what is sexual harassment—how it manifests in both online and physical spaces, how to recognize it, and how to combat it. The talk tackled the fear and silence imposed by power dynamics, equipping women with the knowledge about their legal rights, including protective laws, sanctions against the perpetrators, and the legal process they can pursue. It reminded every participant that their experiences are valid, that they are not alone, and most importantly, they have the power and legal tools to fight back.
In a society where women continue to face gender-based issues, the advocacy ignited purpose beyond celebration—it is a call to dismantle systems that allow harassment and oppression to foster. It challenges the norm and urges not only women, but also communities, institutions, and systems to take accountability.
Through these efforts, “Usapang Lakas at Batas” became more than just an event but a movement. A movement that reminds everyone—“Kita Tanan, Patas." All of us are equal. All of us have a role to play in building a more inclusive and just future.
