While aiming to become a ‘National Peace University’, the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-Gensan), along with the proponents of the Gender and Development (GAD), conducted a seminar-workshop on the Safe Spaces Act, otherwise known as the “Anti-Bastos Law,” and the Orientation on Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) Manual.
The gathering took place at the Alumni Pavilion and Laktanan Wellness Garden, on September 6, 2023. The theme for the event was “Re-echoing Direction and Gaps for Gender Sensitive and Safer Environment.
“The creation of this seminar is really a sense of urgency because this is in line with the launching of the CODI Manual.” Hon. Elaine Mae M. Borja, the SSC Senator for Gender and Development stated the undeniable importance of the CODI Manual to the Safe Spaces Act.
Moreover, she added that CODI and the Safe Space Act play a huge role and are vital for the constituents. Borja emphasized that as student leaders, it is their duty to protect and uphold the rights of every student in the mentioned constitution.
The seminar-workshop on the Safe Spaces Act was spearheaded by Hon. Gellie Rose D. Davalos, the SSC President of the university - highlighting the importance of promoting a more inclusive and safer environment for every MSUan.
The SSC and GAD encouraged other college departments, committees, and organizations to reach out and take part in a bigger role in taking initiatives for the betterment of their society and the constituents.
Red Flags and Green Flags
After the brief introduction to the topic of the Anti-Bastos Law, the constituents were given two flags: red-colored and green-colored flags. The red flag means that the actions imposed were not ideal and friendly, while the green flag means that the actions done were appropriate.
Davalos shared a few examples of phrases for the constituents to decide whether it is considered a red flag or a green flag. “Alam mo naman, si Awra is gay. Gusto niya makita yung katawan niya.” “Ayan nag-tomboy pa kasi, nalaos tuloy. Jake Zyrus pa more.” The constituents considered the mentioned examples as a solid red flag, agreeing that being gay does not mean that he wants the bodies of men and wants to expose his naked self to the public.
“Sige lang pre, ihilak lang na. Pwede man gud muhilak ang laki.” Everyone raised the green flag to agree that men can also be vulnerable and emotional.
She elaborated the discussion more on the Republic Act (RA) 11313, An Act Defining Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Streets, Public Spaces, Online, Workplace, and Educational or Training Institutions, Providing Protective Measures and Prescribing Penalties. Therefore, they can be aware if they are being harassed in any private or public places, and file a case of complaint against the perpetrator.
The majority of women experience harassment in their life and it is often experienced on the streets, from a total stranger, and in broad daylight where many people could witness and hear the victim’s misery.
According to Davalos, as an MSUan, it is our right and obligation, and it is our advocacy as an MSUan to embody the core values mandated by MSU which are: respect for others, acting with integrity, service for the people, and pursuing excellence. She added that we will not be able to achieve the branding of a ‘National Peace University’ if our institution does not promote gender equality.
Building Courage
In the CODI orientation, Rhumer S. Lañojan, MAED, responded to the different reasons why students or victims do not raise a complaint against their offender. The constituents mostly answered that the main reasons why they do not complain are because of trauma, invalidation, fear, threat, gaslighting or guilt-tripping, unsatisfactory punishments to the perpetrator, and lack of knowledge.
He explained that there is a legal adviser and a legal process when there is an existing problem at hand. Furthermore, he mentioned that once a person is a victim of harassment, it is either to fight, fly, or freeze. He also assured that it is not the victim’s fault if he or she freezes when the perpetrator attacks.
He expressed that the victims must be brave and bold in reporting their cases despite who will be held accountable for their disturbing actions – whether it is a professor, a colleague, a fellow student, or someone in a higher position.
Ensuring Environment
The SSC, GAD, and the responsible organizations ensure that CODI will be an efficient and effective platform for strengthening the Anti-Bastos Law and promoting a more gender-sensitive institution for everyone. The voices of the oppressed are finally being heard after years of battling with the chaos of wolf-whistling, catcalling, leering and intrusive gazing, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, sexist slurs, etc.
The SSC, GAD, and other college departments and committees will constructively work on establishing a campus with an ensuring environment, and functional platforms for complaints for cases of sexual harassment; all for a friendly and safe society of every MSUan - where we find happiness, comfort, and validation that everyone has been longing for.
Here in our university, BAWAL ANG BASTOS!
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