SLSU Leads the Call for Women's Safety and Equality Through Advocacy Symposium

Southern Leyte State University, through the Gender and Development Office, hosted the “Advocating Safety and Equality Symposium” on November 26, 2025. Conducted from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM via Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook, the event formed part of the University’s support for the nationwide campaign to end Violence Against Women and their Children.  (End VAWC).

The symposium featured a series of impactful talks from the expert resource speakers who are at the forefront of advocating for justice and putting an end to VAW. PMSG. Maila T. Sumayod of PNP Sogod Women and Children Protection Desk delivered an in-depth discussion on the Anti–VAW-C Act, reminding participants that the law remains a lifeline for victims seeking protection and justice.

PMSG Sumayod comprehensively presented the different types of violence covered under the Anti–VAWC C Act and explained how the PNP responds to these cases to ensure victims are protected and perpetrators are held accountable. She urged the participants, especially women and girls, not to be afraid to speak up, seek help, and assert their right to safety and protection.

Following the discussion on the Anti-VAWC Act, Atty. Gwen Manuel P. Santiago, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor, shed light on the Safe Spaces Act and gender-based sexual harassment. He said everyone deserves safety in both public and online spaces.

He also cited various relevant cases, helping participants recognize situations they might be experiencing. These were cases that, while often subtle, could still have harmful effects.

Rounding out the discussions was Ms. Nenita V. Flores, SLSU Guidance Counselor, who highlighted the importance of strengthened support systems through responsive counseling and community-based interventions for VAWC and Gender-Based Violence cases.

She particularly emphasized SLSU’s proactive actions in debriefing and providing support to students who have experienced such cases.

An advocacy video was shown during the program, amplifying the call to stand united against violence and reminding viewers that ending VAW is a shared obligation that requires awareness, action, and compassion.

This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.