Mary Grace Ladic, News, College of Education
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) recently took a significant step toward solidifying these shared commitments by hosting “Safe Space: A Seminar on Anti-Sexual Harassment and Mental Health Services.” Held on November 19, 2025, at the Bulwagang Balagtas, NALLRC Building, this initiative served as an avenue to educate the PUP community on anti-sexual harassment protocols and available mental health services within the university.
Organized by the University Library, in partnership with the College of Education, the Gender Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Office, and the PUP Library and Information Science Student Organization (PUP LISSO), the event highlighted PUP’s unwavering dedication to creating a truly safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
The seminar began with opening remarks from Dir. Joselito D. Domingo, Director of the University Library, who emphasized the vital role of collaborative efforts in fostering a safe academic environment. This was followed by an inspirational message from Prof. Rodrigo V. Lopiga, Director of the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services, who underscored mental health as a critical yet often overlooked component of academic success and personal growth.
One of the seminar’s central discussions focused on anti-sexual harassment, safe spaces, and sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC). Prof. Jerome P. Permejo, Director of the GEDSI Office, gave an in-depth talk about the university’s anti-sexual harassment policies. He emphasized their role not only in protecting the rights and safety of all community members but also in fostering an inclusive campus culture that respects diversity in all its forms. His discussion extended beyond legal frameworks to include the creation of safe spaces that affirm marginalized identities, particularly women, children, and those within the LGBTQIA+ community. By integrating SOGIESC considerations into the discourse, Prof. Permejo highlighted the importance of recognizing and validating diverse experiences, which is essential to dismantling systemic discrimination and fostering genuine inclusion.
In parallel, the seminar addressed the critical theme of mental health as a cornerstone of optimal health and well-being, especially in the context of trauma resulting from harassment or discrimination. Dr. Marilou B. Francisco, from the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services, illustrated how accessible counseling and psychological support services empower individuals to cope, heal, and regain agency. She stressed that mental health interventions should be considered essential complements to anti-harassment measures, thus ensuring that the university community addresses both prevention and recovery in its pursuit of safety and wellness.
Another important topic was presented by Atty. Joanna Marie A. Liao, Chief Legal Counsel of the University, who discussed the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) Policy and outlined the procedural processes for addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases within the institution. She provided an in-depth explanation of the standard procedures involved in filing complaints and encouraged all members of the community not to hesitate in reporting any grievances, as it is not only to ensure the victims’ rights and protection but also to hold offenders accountable. Her presentation highlighted the legal frameworks and institutional protocols in place to guarantee just and timely resolution of such cases.
The program also included an open forum that allowed participants to raise concerns, ask questions, and seek clarifications from the speakers. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates and closing remarks by Prof. Rosemariebeth R. Dizon, Dean of the College of Education, who reiterated the university’s dedication to nurturing a respectful and safe learning environment.
The seminar connected with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by including important talks that show how mental health, safety, and gender fairness are related in schools. This dual emphasis reflects a progressive understanding that protecting individuals from harassment must coexist with ensuring their holistic well-being.
Ultimately, the seminar demonstrated that meaningful change emerges when education, policy, and compassion converge to protect the dignity of every individual. By bringing together legal experts, mental health professionals, and advocates of gender equality, PUP affirmed that safety is not merely a procedural requirement but a shared responsibility of everyone in the university to look out for one another. The discussions underscored the university’s resolve to confront harassment, dismantle discrimination, and uphold the well-being of its community with both firmness and empathy, which also supports Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As these efforts continue to evolve, PUP strengthens its role as an institution that not only imparts knowledge but also upholds justice and safeguards the humanity of those it serves. Through initiatives such as this, PUP becomes more than an academic institution—it becomes a community. One that listens. One that cares. One that protects.
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