BU PolSci 4B - Duyog, Rizal Street , Albay, Daraga (2026)

19/12/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

The forum “Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice,” held on November 16, 2025, at the Bicol University–College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BU CSSP), Mahogany Building Audio-Visual Room, concluded successfully, bringing together students, advocates, legal practitioners, and partners in a collective call to end violence against women and children (VAWC).

The event fostered critical discussions on gender inequality, survivor-centered justice, and the urgent need to break the culture of silence that enables abuse.

The success of the forum was made possible through the strong collaboration among partner organizations and publications, whose shared commitment strengthened the reach and impact of the advocacy.

Their partnership underscored the power of unity in advancing gender justice, amplifying voices, and sustaining action toward a safer, more inclusive academic and social community where dignity, rights, and justice are upheld for all.

| 𝗘𝗹𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮
Event Head of Babaylan Group

| 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿
Creatives Committee, Layout Artist of Babaylan Group

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

19/12/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The seminar “Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice” formally concluded with a series of closing activities that underscored gratitude, accountability, and sustained commitment to gender-responsive advocacy at Bicol University–College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Audio Visual Room (AVR).

The closing program opened with the Awarding of Certificates of Appreciation and Tokens to the resource speakers, led by the AB Political Science Group Babaylan, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the discourse on violence against women and children (VAWC) and gender justice.

A Message of Appreciation was subsequently delivered by Mx. Luisito D. Gonzales, Jr., of the External Affairs Committee of Group Babaylan, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 4B. Gonzales expressed gratitude to the participants, partner organizations, and partner publications, emphasizing the importance of collective action, solidarity, and sustained engagement in advancing gender-responsive justice.

The program then featured the announcement on the collection and compilation of seminar evaluation forms, presented by Angelo Ballarbare, also from the External Affairs Committee. He highlighted the role of participant feedback in strengthening future academic forums and advocacy-driven initiatives.
This was followed by the Awarding of Certificates of Recognition to the partner organizations and publications, facilitated by the AB Political Science Group Babaylan, acknowledging their vital support and collaboration in the successful conduct of the forum.

The seminar officially closed with the Closing Remarks delivered by Angelo Ballarbare, who reiterated the call to continue reclaiming voices, restoring dignity, and reinforcing collective efforts toward building a more just, inclusive, and gender-responsive society.

| 𝗘𝗹𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮
Event Head of Babaylan Group

| 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿
Creatives Committee, Layout Artist of Babaylan Group

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

19/12/2025

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗨 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

Women’s voices are not merely testimonies of suffering but powerful forces that shape law, policy, and social change, Ronaden Mae M. Notario emphasized as the second speaker of the seminar “Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice,” held on November 16, 2025, at the Bicol University–College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BU CSSP), Mahogany Building Audio-Visual Room.

In her keynote discussion titled “Restoring Voices: Women at the Frontline in Addressing Gender Inequality, Preventing Gender-Based Violence, and Advancing Gender Justice,” Notario unpacked how gender inequality manifests in everyday life, from dismissive language such as “babae ka lang” to victim-blaming, enforced silence, unequal household expectations, and the tolerance of abusive behavior framed as “normal” or “natural”.

Notario explained that these normalized attitudes sustain gender-based violence (GBV) by shifting blame to survivors, discouraging reporting, and protecting perpetrators from accountability. Fear of retaliation, economic dependence, and family pressure, she noted, remain among the key reasons many women and victim-survivors choose silence over justice.

Grounding her discussion in the Philippine context, Notario revisited major gender-responsive laws, including RA 9262 (Anti-VAWC Act), RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), and other gender-neutral protections under the Revised Penal Code. She stressed that while legal frameworks exist, their impact depends on whether women are empowered to access and shape these mechanisms.

Highlighting progress, she cited global gains in women’s rights, including dozens of legal reforms implemented in recent years to dismantle discriminatory laws. Yet she underscored that statistics remain sobering: about 18 percent of ever-married Filipinas aged 15–49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from a partner, representing millions of voices still struggling to be heard.

Central to Notario’s presentation was the idea of women at the frontline, survivors who become advocates, lawyers, and judges who protect victim-survivors, social workers and community responders who deliver immediate support, and young women and students who challenge inequality in schools and campuses.

Notario described how women-led initiatives at the grassroots, in government, and in youth spaces transform lived experiences into policy, programs, and prevention strategies.

Notario also discussed how women’s voices formally enter the law, citing the Women’s Priority Legislative Agenda endorsed by the Philippine Commission on Women and people-centered justice initiatives supported by UN Women, which place women’s lived realities at the core of legal reform, community justice, and digital access to justice.

Concluding her talk, Notario left participants with a resonant message: “Laws protect, but voices transform.” When women speak, organize, and are believed, she said, violence loses its power, and gender justice moves from principle to practice.

| 𝗘𝗹𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮
Event Head of Babaylan Group

| 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿
Creatives Committee, Layout Artist of Babaylan Group

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

19/12/2025

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 ‘𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲’ 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗨 𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗔𝗩𝗥

Subtle language, everyday slights, and normalized silence continue to fuel violence against women and children (VAWC), Atty. Mary Christine Ll. Longabela stressed as she opened the seminar “Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice” on November 16, 2025, at the Bicol University–College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BU CSSP), Mahogany Building Audio-Visual Room.

As the forum’s first speaker, Longabela delivered the keynote discussion “Behind the Lines: Women, Confronting Microaggressions, Reclaiming Language, and Advancing Gender-Responsive Legal Action Against VAWC,” guiding participants through how seemingly minor acts, words, gestures, and dismissive attitudes can entrench gender-based violence and weaken access to justice.

Drawing from global and national data, Longabela underscored the scale of the problem. Nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, while in the Philippines, an estimated 4.8 million ever-married women aged 15–49 have suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from an intimate partner. She noted the irony that these figures persist despite the country’s recognition as one of Asia’s most gender-equal nations.

A central part of her lecture focused on microaggressions, a concept first coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce and later expanded to include gender-based harm. Longabela explained that everyday verbal and nonverbal slights, often dismissed as jokes or “normal” behavior, can reinforce power imbalances and normalize abuse, making it harder for victim-survivors to speak out or seek help.

She also revisited the four legally recognized forms of violence under RA 9262, physical, psychological, sexual, and economic, emphasizing that psychological violence, though invisible, leaves lasting scars. Children exposed to domestic violence, she said, face higher risks of depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, and the perpetuation of abuse across generations.

Longabela identified persistent gaps in VAWC response, including weak enforcement of Barangay Protection Orders, under-resourced VAW desks, cultural pressures to “keep family matters private,” and the tendency of cases to be settled rather than pursued legally. These challenges, she warned, enable impunity and silence, particularly in communities where hiya and pakikisama discourage reporting.

Beyond diagnosis, the speaker highlighted paths to action: confronting microaggressions by focusing on impact rather than intent, documenting incidents, educating others, and seeking institutional support.

Longabela linked these everyday interventions to broader legal and policy frameworks, including the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Judiciary’s gender-sensitivity reforms, and the emerging whole-of-nation approach to VAWC prevention and response.

Concluding her discussion, Longabela called on students, educators, and future policymakers to reclaim language, challenge normalized harm, and actively use the law as a tool for protection and dignity. Ending VAWC, she emphasized, is not only a legal mandate but a collective responsibility that begins with recognizing violence, even when it hides “behind the lines.

| 𝗘𝗹𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮
Event Head of Babaylan Group

| 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿
Creatives Committee, Layout Artist of Babaylan Group

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

19/12/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

Advocacy beyond calendars and campaigns took center stage as Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice formally opened on November 16, 2025, with messages emphasizing the continuous struggle against gender-based violence.

As the course professor and adviser of the Seminar on Special Topics in Political Science, Prof. Imelda Asuncion Barce, Ph.D., delivered the opening message, describing the seminar as a vital platform for advocating gender justice and addressing violence against women and children.

Prof. Barce underscored the forum’s connection to the 16 Days of Activism Against VAWC and highlighted the need for Political Science to go beyond legal frameworks by recalibrating institutions and cultivating gender-responsive citizens committed to closing the gender gap.

Following her message, Babaylan Group Event Head Mx. Elzon Olandria delivered a message on behalf of the organization, acknowledging the challenges of multiple reschedulings while reaffirming the forum’s alignment with global and national campaigns against gender-based violence.

Olandria emphasized that although the seminar was initially intended to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the 16 Days of Activism, and the 12-Day Campaign Against VAWC, its eventual timing strengthened its message that advocacy must persist beyond designated dates.

The forum ultimately stood as a testament to the belief that resistance to violence and the pursuit of gender justice are continuous, non-negotiable responsibilities that demand collective voice, action, and commitment every day of the year.

| 𝗘𝗹𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮
Event Head of Babaylan Group

| 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿
Creatives Committee, Layout Artist of Babaylan Group

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

19/12/2025

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺

Participants attended the registration and opening preliminaries of "Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice" on November 16, 2025, at Bicol University—College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BU CSSP), Mahogany Building, Audio Visual Room (AVR).

The registration and arrival of participants included attendance checking, distribution of stickers, issuance of physical evaluation forms, and the program kickoff facilitated by the Babaylan Team Secretariat and Registration Committee.

The preliminaries were followed by an Invocation featuring a Doxology by the BU CSSP Flame of Phoenix, the singing of the National Anthem, and the BU Hymn, which was facilitated by the Audit, Finance, and Technical Production Committee and the Ways and Means Committee of the Babaylan Group.
Participants were primarily composed of students from both blocks of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program, along with representatives from partner organizations and publications. The registration and preliminary activities proceeded smoothly and in a free-flowing manner throughout the opening of the forum.

| 𝗘𝗹𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮
Event Head of Babaylan Group

| 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿
Creatives Committee, Layout Artist of Babaylan Group

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

19/12/2025

BREAKING NEWS ALERT FINALLY CONCLUDED! 📰 🔍

A critical discourse about information and media landscape—uncovering the role of media in governance, the mechanics of manipulation, and the fight for truth through detecting fake news in the digital age—took place at the BUCSSP Daraga Campus, Mahogany Building AVR Room. The seminar “BREAKING NEWS, BROKEN TRUTH: MEDIA, POLITIKA, AT FAKE NEWS” unraveled the theoretical functions of the press in governance, exposed the realities of fake news, manipulation, and how to detect it, and the vital importance of media literacy in preserving our democracy.

With this, we Kalatas Watch, express our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished guest speakers, Mr. Edison R. Bordeos (Radio Broadcaster, One Radio 93.1 FM) and Mr. Karl Ian Morissey C. Ramos (Reporter, Bombo Radyo). Thank you for sharing your invaluable expertise on the Role of Media in Governance and Media Manipulation and Fake News Detection. Your insights have equipped us on how media could be used as a tool in attaining effective governance while also exposing it's negative side. Furthermore, your discussions helped us to use tools necessary to look beyond the headlines and discern the truth amidst the noise.

A special thanks to Prof. Imelda Asuncion S. Barce, Ph.D. for her guidance, and to the entire Kalatas Watch team, for making this event a resounding success.

To all the participants who took part—your active engagement showed that the youth are ready to stand as guardians of truth. Understanding how media and information are created and consumed are necessary in preserving the country's integrity and democracy as a whole.

To our media partners, thank you for dedicating your valuable time to stand for truth. Your participation in our event plays a crucial role in making it a success.

The broadcast may have ended, but our responsibility as truth seekers remain. Together, let's keep this in mind: vigilance leads to awareness, and awareness protects democracy. Together, let us be critical and defend the truth.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

&InformationLiteracy

15/12/2025

𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: 𝗔 𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗨𝗠

The program flow of Reclaiming Rights, Restoring Dignity: A Forum on VAWC and Gender Justice is designed to lead participants through a meaningful progression of learning, reflection, and collective empowerment. Each segment of the event mirrors the objective of understanding how violence against women and children is rooted in centuries of structural inequality. By intentionally shaping the sequence of discussions and engagements, the program ensures that participants gain a holistic view of VAWC, bridging the insights of pre-colonial gender equality, colonial disruptions, and modern-day manifestations of abuse.

As the forum unfolds, the flow of activities creates an environment where knowledge translates into advocacy and awareness transforms into action. Through the guidance of esteemed speakers, interactive exchanges, and collective reflection, participants are empowered to recognize their role in advancing gender justice within their communities and academic spaces. More than a schedule, the program flow serves as a roadmap for awakening critical consciousness, strengthening solidarity, and inspiring the commitment needed to challenge violence, uphold human rights, and champion the dignity of women and children.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠-𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠
𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲: 𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼-𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 (𝗔𝗩𝗥), 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

15/12/2025

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔

The call to 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 is a collective effort, one made stronger through solidarity, collaboration, and shared commitment. We extend our sincere gratitude to our partner organizations and media partners who stand with us in advancing gender justice, youth-led advocacy, and informed public discourse.

Your continued support affirms that the fight against 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 (𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖) is not borne by one sector alone, but by a community united in amplifying voices, challenging injustice, and fostering accountability.

As we gather for “𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗔 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲”, these partnerships serve as pillars in creating a space for education, dialogue, and collective action toward a safer and more inclusive society.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 - 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠
𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲: 𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼-𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 (𝗔𝗩𝗥) 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

15/12/2025

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘, 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘

Our distinguished speakers stand at the forefront of the fight against Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), bringing with them a wealth of experience rooted in legal expertise, historical understanding, and community advocacy.

Through their knowledge and dedication, our speakers help illuminate the continuing challenges faced by women and children today, especially as cases of VAWC and gender-based violence persist and even rise in recent years. Their discussions on laws and legal frameworks underscore the importance of legal literacy in empowering individuals and communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse. By highlighting the gaps, complexities, and opportunities within these legal frameworks, they equip participants with the knowledge needed to stand as informed advocates capable of driving meaningful change both within and beyond the university.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 - 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠
𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲: 𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼-𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 (𝗔𝗩𝗥) 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Together, we listen, learn, and rise for gender justice, not only as students or scholars, but as active partners in a national and global movement for human rights. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨, 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧-𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮.

𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗘 𝗠. 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗢

Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Public Administration at Bicol University, Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development.

Law Student, Bicol College School of Law
Worked as a Public Information Officer of the Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO), a BU-JMRIGD College-Based Organization for one academic term (A.Y. 2018-2019).

Worked as a Deputy Public Information Officer of the Bicol University Integrity Crusaders (BUIC), a University-Based Organization (UBO) for one academic term (A.Y. 2019-2020).

Worked as the Secretary General of the Bicol University Integrity Crusaders (BUIC), a University-Based Organization (UBO) for one academic term (A.Y. 2021-2022).

Volunteer at Higher-Education Readiness Orientation (HERO) at BU of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Education Development Center (EDC).

Worked as a Vice President of the Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO), a BU-JMRIGD College-Based Organization (CBO) for one academic term (A.Y. 2021- 2022).

Worked as a Member of the Revision and Constitutional Amendment Committee at the Bicol University Integrity Crusaders (BUIC), a University-Based Organization (UBO) for one academic term (A.Y. 2022-2023).

Worked as an Interim Vice Chancellor of the Bicol University Order of the Blue Feathers Society (BU OBFS), a University-Based Organization (UBO) for one academic term (2022).

Worked as the Secretary General of the Bicol University Order of the Blue Feathers Society (BU OBFS), a University-Based Organization for one academic term (A.Y. 2022-2023).

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Bicol University Debate Society
Bicol University Pre-Law Society
Bicol University - Society of Sorsoganons
BU SARO
Association of Bicol Business Students - Bicol University Chapter
Bicol University Integrated League of DOST Scholars
BUJMRIGD College Student Council
Bicol University Junior Institute of Management
Bicol University - Psychological Society of Youthful, Courageous, and Healthy Enablers (PSYCHE)
BUCSSP College Student Council
Bicol University - Junior Peace Advocates
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Bicol University - Philippine Geothermal Scholars
CSSP: Flames of Phoenix
The Associates
Bicol University - Political Science Club
Bicol University Integrity Crusaders - Office of the Ombudsman
Bicol University - Young Philosophers' Society
BU College Y Club
AMiCUS - BU Chapter
Robredo Institute Students Organization (RISO)
Bicol University - Movement for the Advancement of Youth-led Advocacy
Bicol University Pre-Medical Society
Bicol University - University Student Council
Peer Counselors' Organization

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿
The Polity
The Bicol Universitarian
Aletheia

BU PolSci 4B - Duyog

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

19/12/2025

15/12/2025

15/12/2025

15/12/2025

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