The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at UP Visayas held an orientation on gender awareness, sensitivity, and anti-sexual harassment (ASH) for faculty members, research, extension, and professional staff (REPS), and other personnel on Sept. 11, 2024, at the AV Hall, CFOS, Miagao campus.
CFOS Dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro requested the orientation, particularly for newly hired personnel, as part of the college’s quality assurance process.
“I requested this special orientation to have an intimate discussion on gender awareness, sensitivity, and anti-sexual harassment,” Monteclaro told participants. “We want to make our university and workplace a safe space for everyone,” he added. The dean also emphasized that through the orientation, “we can protect ourselves from sexual harassment.”
The Gender and Development (GAD) and ASH orientation is part of CFOS’ regular activities to ensure that personnel are familiar with policies, procedures, and programs governing all UP constituents.
Prof. Kezzie Lyn B. Hilado, officer-in-charge of the UPV Gender and Development Program (UPV-GDP), led the discussion on gender awareness and sensitivity.
She highlighted the importance of the session, stating that “gender awareness raising aims to increase general sensitivity, understanding, and knowledge about gender equality.” Hilado explained that achieving gender equality is essential for building peaceful and progressive societies. She also presented key topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics (SOGIESC), and gender and development (GAD) terms, as well as relevant laws and the use of gender-fair language.
Hilado also introduced the UPV-GDP and its activities.
Prof. Aniceta Patricia T. Alingasa, officer-in-charge of the UPV Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment, discussed the topic of sexual harassment.
She defined sexual harassment as “unwanted, unwelcome, uninvited behavior of a sexual nature or inappropriate sexual advances or offensive remarks about a person’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” Alingasa described various forms of harassment, including verbal, visual, online, and physical sexual harassment.
She also introduced the UP Anti-Sexual Harassment Code, which applies to all UP community members, including students, faculty, and non-teaching staff both on and off campus.
Alingasa encouraged participants to report any instances of sexual harassment to her office. “Remember that sexual harassment is a crime. You should not suffer in silence. You need to speak up,” she stressed, advising them to retain any evidence for future reference.
During the open forum, both Hilado and Alingasa addressed questions raised by the participants. (Written by Lenilyn B. Gallos)
