UPOU-OGC Conducts Gender Sensitivity Training

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) conducted the first Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) for 2021 on 30 June 2021 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM via Zoom. The GST focused on respecting and recognizing the LGBTQI+ community and aimed to raise awareness and correct misconceptions on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). 

Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Director of the UPOU OGC, welcomed the participants through an opening message.  Prof. Moniq Muyargas, Director of the Gender and Development Program (GDP) of UP Visayas, and Mr. Jap Ignacio, part of the Secretariat of the Lagablab LGBT Network, were the guest speakers of the event which was held in celebration of this year’s Pride Month of June. The Pride Month 2021’s theme is “The Fight Continues.”

Prof. Muyargas discussed gender awareness and sensitivity, explained issues arising from the lack of knowledge and understanding on SOGIESC, highlighted the meaning and impact of gender-sensitive language, and tackled gender A.I.R. (affirmative, inclusive, and responsive) society.  She concluded her talk by reminding the attendees that all have SOGIESC and are entitled to have the basic human rights of compassion, justice, and love.

Mr. Ignacio, on the other hand, provided an update on the struggles and legal battle against discrimination, detailed the salient features of the SOGIE Equality Bill, and emphasized the need for the support on the bill.  He closed his discussion by encouraging everyone to continue the conversation, vote right, and be an ally, among others.

A total of 61 UPOU students, faculty, and staff attended the training.

Sustainable Development Goals

Written and Screen captures by Jaime Guimbao

Edited by Joane V. Serrano and Anna Cañas-Llamas