Forum explains VAWC, ‘safe spaces’ for 18-day campaign on violence against women

In support of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), Bicol University Graduate School (BUGS), in collaboration with the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), BU Open University (BUOU), BU College of Industrial Technology, (BUCIT), and BUGS Student Council (BUGSSC), conducted a forum on Safe Spaces Act or RA 11313 and Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children or 9262, held on December 1, 2022 via Zoom.

Dr. Roldan C. Cabiles, the proponent and BUOU and BUGS Gender and Development Coordinator, shared that the objective of the forum was to advocate for safe space and harassment-free environment for everyone’s safety and security, and to eliminate forms of violence against women and children.

Atty. Maria Cleofe Gettie C. Sandoval, faculty member of Ateneo School of Law, Ateneo de Manila University and the one of drafted the Magna Carta of Women, discussed important provisions, penalties and the philosophy behind the RA 11313, whereas, Atty. Glenn Ian P. Barcebal, Private Practitioner of Atty. Glenn Ian P. Barcebal Law Office and a faculty member of BU College of Law, centered his discussion on the categories of violence that may be committed by an individual under RA 9262 such as physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic violence.

The participants were welcomed by Dr. Ramesis M. Lorino, Dean of BUOU and inspirational messages were expressed by BU Officials namely Dr. Noel R. Rafer, CGAD Director; Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, BUGS Dean; Dr. Jonathan C. Arroco, BUCIT Dean; and Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Approximately 140 participants were present during the synchronous forum coming from various parts of the country and some were from offshore.

Members of the working committee were then acknowledged by Dr. Roldan C. Cabiles and underscored that the takeaways from the forum should be practiced in their respective work spaces.

The morning and afternoon sessions were facilitated by the President of the BUGS Student Council, Mr. Flored N. Medina, also a student of PhD Public Administration program. | by Roldan C. Cabiles