In celebration of the campaign against violence against women of the Magsingal National High School (MNHS), the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) of the University of the Philippines (UNP) extended its services on issues that primarily concern women.

The focus this time is a symposium on RA No. 8353 (Anti-Rape Law) and RA No. 11862 (Anti- Human Trafficking), held at the said high school and was attended by the whole community of MNHS on November 22, 2024.

Ms. Jemmina M. Piano, instructor at the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy (DSSP), discussed RA No. 8353. She encouraged students to break the chain of fear and speak up for the truth, especially on rape cases. She emphasized the need for advocating a safe and dignified society by fighting the issue on rape.

The subsequent part of the program was led by Mr. Francis Lois A. Arcaina, also a faculty member of DSSP, who imparted informative discussion on RA No. 11862. He emphasized the importance of social awareness as vital in ending human trafficking. He shared that eliminating cases of trafficking in persons is to struggle for a better life in the future.

Joining with them is Dr. Mae Oliva M. Piano, CGAD extension coordinator, who tackled the issues on exploitation and discrimination, most especially in cases of rape and trafficking in person. She reminded the importance of these topics on the lives of every individual, particularly to the children.

As part of the continuing initiative of CGAD in advocating for a better society, the aim of the program is to spread awareness pertaining to the social ills that society is suffering from and have renewed their passion in nurturing minds in order that the children may make a change in the future.

Article and photo by Mae Piano.