Empowering Respect and Safety

Photo by Mr. Charlie Maquilan and Rufilyn Arpon

On December 7, 2023, at exactly 10:00 a.m., Cebu Technological University Daanbantayan-Tabogon Extension conducted a seminar on the RA 11313, known as the Safe Space Act, or Bawal Bastos Law, and the RA 10627, known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, attended by the faculty and staff, students, and cash for work beneficiaries in Tapul Covered Court.

The said program was hosted by Mr. Rey Anthony Petiluna (faculty) with much enthusiasm and excitement. CTU Tabogon Extension Campus Director, Dr. Rolina C. Paran, delivered her warm welcome message to all the attendees. Dr. Paran acknowledged the presence of the resource speakers, faculty, staff, and students. She added her message of gratitude to Brgy. Tapul officials for letting the school use their gym for the said seminar. Subsequently, Engr. George Michael Geollina, GAD Coordinator, stated the purpose of the seminar, emphasizing that the stigma exists in elementary school and beyond.

Pat. Kirk Monterola delivered his inspirational message to the students, quoting, “Pagbinuotan mo ug dili mag binastos aron dile mo ma file’lan ug kaso. Mag tarung ug eskwela para maka kita mo ug tarung nga trabaho puhon.”

PSSg. Crisanta C. Antopina, the first resource speaker, discussed RA 10627, the Anti-Bullying Act (the “act”) of 2013. She also explained the forms of bullying: physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. Moreover, she also discussed RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and RA 70610, the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and their corresponding penalties. PSSg. Antopina ended her session with the quote, “The way you treat others is a reflection of who you are.”

Pat. Mariano Piañar III, the second resource speaker, discussed RA 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, or Bawal Bastos Law. Its goal was to educate every attendee to refrain from disrespecting the people around them sexually. He also mentioned the gestures and actions that violate the said law.

Thereafter, the certificates and tokens were given to the resource speakers by Dr. Rolina C. Paran, CTU Campus Director, Engr. George Michael Geollina, GAD Coordinator, and Prof. Cherrylene Macachor, Chairperson of Research and Development.

On behalf of Engr. Maria Theresa A. Catam-isan, SAO Coordinator, Mr. Kervin Martinez, the school nurse, delivered his closing message, thanking the resource speakers, GAD Coordinator, faculty, staff, and students for attending the seminar. He concluded, “I hope someday you will see yourself grow harmoniously.”

Words by Robert Cielo Cometa