E-Kumustahan Ep7 Session 2 highlights Gender-Related Laws
In collaboration with the Northwestern University (NWU) Gender and Development Focal System and other university offices, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) conducted its seventh episode of the E-kamustahan 3.0: Standing Strong Amidst the Pandemic in celebration of the 2022 International Women’s Month via Zoom Video Conferencing App on March 23, 2022. The said event had “We Make Change Work For Women” as the theme.
The main topic of the said webinar was gender-related laws regarding children and how they should be protected against neglect, abuse, and discrimination.
There are three gender-related laws as a result of a successful and tireless campaign for gender equality and development. The Republic Act (RA) 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act, RA 7610: Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Cruelty, Exploitation, and Discrimination, and RA 11313, known as the Safe Space Act.
Atty. Jasmine A. Balucio made the discussion regarding RA 9262 interactive as she presented cases that identify the form of abuse or violence against women and their children, as well as who is liable for the violation and who is protected by this act.
Atty. Michael Noblie A. Tindoc, Public Attorney II of the Public Attorney’s Office of Laoag City, discussed RA 7610, Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, and Cruelty. Exploitation and Discrimination.
“The reason why this law was enacted, [is] because the congress recognizes that children are one of the most vulnerable sectors of the government or community. The government needs to [enclose] measures to protect them, that is the very reason why and to protect those children from neglect, and exploitation, and other types of abused,” said by Atty. Tindoc.
R.A. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act was discussed by Dr. Gerardo S. Garcia, which defines gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, workplaces, and educational or training institutions, providing protective measures and prescribing penalties.
“Magastos ang mambastos kasi bukod sa you will be fined, and then you will be imprisoned also,” said Dr. Garcia
“As students, we should be the voice, we should keep on promoting and spreading awareness so both children, women and other gender or other sexes can be protected. In that way we can live harmoniously.” said Mr. David Joshua Funtilla, a 4th-year BS-Psychology student, as he shared his reflection on the topics.
Mr. Rashed Daniel Reyes asserted that respect, care, decency, and different kinds of love should actually be the fundamentals of being human.
“Hinihikayat ko kayong lahat na mas alamin pa ang mga batas na ito. Mag reflect at isapuso ang mga natutunan sa webinar na ito. Kung pwede rin ay maging mas aktibo sa pag correct sa mga maling gawain ng ibang tao upang tuluyan ng maiwasan at mawakasan ang pambabastos, pang iinsulto, at pangaabuso.” Said Ms. Stephanie P. Valiente, Officer-in-Charge of the Guidance Center, in her closing remark.
Being knowledgeable of your rights and others’ can help the world become a better place for everyone. So, begin to learn, embody, and teach for a harmonious and violence-free society.
