Chai Riz D. Chavez, News, College of Social Sciences and Development
In celebration of Pride Month, Sintang Paaralan strengthened its commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender equality through the PUP Gender Equality Creativity Festival, held on June 17, 2026, at the PUP Gymnasium.
Serving as the festival's flagship event, "InterSEXtion 2026: Bridging Borders through Inclusive Gender and Economic Discourse" transformed the venue into an interactive learning space where academic concepts intersected with creative expression and social advocacy. The event was a joint project of the Department of Economics (DE) and Department of Broadcast Communication (DBC) as final output for classes in Special Topics in Economics under Assoc. Prof. Emy Ruth Gianan, and Gender and Media under Assoc. Prof. Krupskaya Valila — an initiative that was pioneered three years back. PUP Economics Research Society and Kasari-Sarian Organizing Committee served as the organizers of the full-day event.
The culminating activity brought together third-year BS Economics and first-year BA Broadcast Communication students in an airline-themed educational experience that explored the intersections of gender, economics, and human rights. Through interactive exhibits and advocacy-driven activities, participants examined how inclusive and equitable perspectives shape economic realities while celebrating the diversity of identities and cultures. By integrating classroom learning with creative engagement, the festival provided students with a platform to deepen their understanding of gender equality and social inclusion while demonstrating the University's continuing commitment to fostering an inclusive academic community.
Photo courtesy of: PUP Intersextion 2026 ‘Official’ Facebook Page
The journey officially began with an opening program, where Assoc. Prof. Gianan shared the rationale behind the event and set the tone for the day's advocacies. Following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, attendees used custom boarding passes to explore interactive country booths designed by the Department of Economics students. Each booth applied the Everyday Political Economies framework to demonstrate how gender dynamics influence household and national economic decisions across different countries.
The day-long festival successfully bridged rigorous academic analysis with meaningful social advocacy. Participants attended a thought-provoking forum by the College of Communication's Kasari-Sarian on Art for Stigma Reduction, which highlighted HIV/AIDS awareness, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and mental health. The forum was followed by an impactful short film screening that further encouraged dialogue and reflection. The celebration continued with captivating drag performances from local drag queens, energizing the audience before culminating in a communal Grand Pakain, fostering a spirit of solidarity and inclusivity.
Beyond the academic showcases, the festival featured the participation of partners, sponsors, and official Econpreneurs—student-led enterprises such as Kismet & Petals and Upper East Crumbs—which operated booths showcasing and selling their products, demonstrating the students' entrepreneurial skills alongside their academic and advocacy initiatives.
The event concluded by recognizing the outstanding creativity and intellectual excellence of the participating Economics students. The section champions were Taiwan (BSE 3-1), India (BSE 3-2), Timor-Leste (BSE 3-3), and Thailand (BSE 3-4), while China (BSE 3-4) received the coveted People's Choice Award.
By seamlessly blending political economy with creative cultural expression, InterSEXtion 2026 became more than a culminating academic activity—it served as a meaningful celebration of Pride, gender equality, and inclusivity while demonstrating that economic discourse is most impactful when it is people-centered and responsive to real-world issues.
The initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through inclusive learning, student entrepreneurship, equitable participation, and institutional collaboration. It also embodies the PUP Core Values (INSPIRED) by promoting Integrity and Accountability, Passion for Learning and Innovation, Inclusivity, Respect for Human Rights and the Environment, Excellence, Sense of Service, and Democracy through responsible advocacy, collaborative learning, and meaningful community engagement.
Article edited by Gicel Roger B. Savilla, Communication Management Office.
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