USTP celebrates National Women’s Month through informative sessions
By Shandy Mae B. Pañares, Education Program Specialist II, ECRD, USTP CDO
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), through the Extension and Community Relations Division (ECRD), successfully launched the National Women’s Month Celebration on March 4, 2026, at the Dr. Ricardo E. Rotorosas (DRER) Memorial Hall, with satellite campuses joining virtually via Zoom. The celebration aimed to raise awareness about gender-related issues, promote respect and safe spaces, and empower participants with knowledge about protecting themselves and others from different forms of exploitation.
The event gathered more than 1,500 USTP students, together with faculty and non-teaching personnel from various campuses, demonstrating strong institutional support for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Anchored on the 2026 National Women’s Month theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” the event highlighted the vital role of women as leaders, advocates, and catalysts for community transformation.
The program featured two informative learning sessions that focused on fostering safe relationships and understanding legal protections against abuse and exploitation.
The first talk, “Safe Havens in Human Relationships: Respect, Boundaries, and Standing Against Bullying and Exploitation On- and Offline,” was delivered by Ms. Angelica Bolotaolo from the Philippine Commission on Women. In her presentation, she emphasized the importance of recognizing personal boundaries, cultivating respectful relationships, and identifying different forms of bullying and exploitation both in physical and digital environments. Her discussion encouraged participants to help create supportive and safe communities within educational institutions and workplaces.
The second session, “Safe Havens in Human Relationships: Understanding Exploitation, Blackmail, and Your Legal Power to Say No,” was presented by Atty. Pilipinas Palma from the Commission on Human Rights Region 10. She discussed the various forms of exploitation, including emotional manipulation, coercion, and online abuse, while highlighting the legal rights and protections available to individuals. Her talk empowered participants to assert their rights, recognize abusive situations, and seek appropriate legal and institutional support. Following the learning sessions.
The celebration continued with the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Women’s Month Exhibit Competition, which showcased the creative outputs of students through Slogan and Poster Making Contests. The exhibit highlighted powerful messages advocating gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect, and the promotion of safe and inclusive communities. The displayed works reflected the creativity, awareness, and commitment of USTP students in supporting the advocacy for gender and development.
Through this celebration, USTP continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, promoting respect and equality, and fostering inclusive spaces where individuals are empowered to lead and contribute meaningfully to society.
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