Category Archives: Events

UPCWGS conducts Storytelling on Martial Law

As part of its activities for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and in observance of International Human Rights Day, the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), in partnership with the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC), the Survivors’ Hub (Martial Law ’72-’86), and the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR), conducted Tao sa Tao: Mga Totoong Kwento ng Martial Law on 9 December 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. Resource persons were Ma. Cristina P. Bawagan and Nilda G. Fullon of Survivors’ Hub, Patrick I. Claudio of HRVVMC, and Sharmaine Soledad of CWR.

Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea (front and center) of the UPCWSFI and Nilda G. Fullon (in pink) with the participants of Tao sa Tao: Mga Totoong Kwento ng Martial Law on December 9

Tao sa Tao is a project by the HRVVMC launched in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Martial Law. It gathers survivor stories to inform students and the public about human rights violations during 1972-1986 and counter historical distortions through face-to-face storytelling. 

In addition, the event also explored the relationship between conflict and gender-based violence, emphasizing women’s critical roles in addressing this issue and their contributions to women, peace, and security. 

UPCWGS launches Review of Women’s Studies Volume XXXIII

As part of its founding anniversary celebration, the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) launched the latest issue of its journal, the Review of Women’s Studies Volume XXXIII, on 6 December 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. 

The featured works for this issue of the journal are: 

Research Articles 

Navigating Tiwala in Disasters: Rural Women Leaders and Social Constructions of Trust With International Humanitarian Organisations by Kara Danielle Medina 

Gendering Legitimacy: The Case of a Women-Led Community-Based Organization in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City, Philippines by Ervin F. Grana 

Understanding Motherhood During COVID-19: Experiences of Mother-Teachers in Distance Education by Holden Kenneth G. Alcazaren, Andrew Bonifacio L. Clete, Bianca Camille G. Clete, and Arnielle Mari H. Resuello 

Women’s Midlife as Gendered Development: The Lived Experiences of Selected Filipino Women in Midlife by Amapola L. Baes 

The Paradoxes of Mobile Care Work: The Case of Aging Filipina Australians in a Digital Era by Earvin Charles B. Cabalquinto and Athena Charanne R. Presto 

Creative Works 

Women of Western Visayas by Maria Amihan Tamayo Panes 

(From top to bottom, left to right) Kara Danielle Medina, Ervin F. Grana, Asst. Prof. Holden Kenneth G. Alcazaren, Asst. Prof. Amapola L. Baes, Athena Charanne R. Presto, and Dr. Maria Amihan Tamayo Panes during the Review of Women‘s Studies Volume XXXIII launch on December 6

The Review of Women’s Studies (RWS) is a refereed journal published by the UPCWGS. The journal serves as a forum where ideas on issues and concerns affecting the lives of women, seen from the analytical perspectives of different disciplines, may be exchanged. It encourages and seeks to publish research that employs feminist methodologies and that adheres to the principles of feminist research, bearing in mind the intersectionality of gender, class, religion, age, and education. 

UPCWGS conducts Roundtable Discussion on the Divorce Bill

As part of its activities for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted Unhappily Ever After: A Roundtable Discussion on the Absolute Divorce Act (House Bill 9349) on 2 December 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. 

Discussants were Atty. Leo D. Battad of the UP College of Law Gender Law and Policy Program, Prof. Macrina A. Morados of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, and Christian Ang of the UP Student Catholic Action. The discussion was facilitated by Dr. Rowena A. Laguilles-Timog of the UPCWGS. 

This event aims to explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of the Divorce Bill, with a focus on its impact on Filipino families, particularly on women and children.

Dr. Rowena A. Laguilles-Timog of the UPCWGS (right), Atty. Leo D. Battad, and Christian Ang (both front and center) with the participants of the Roundtable Discussion on the Divorce Bill on December 2 [Photo by Rey M. Madriaga]

UPCWGS conducts Zine-Making Workshop

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted the Zine-Making for Feminist Advocacy: A Workshop with BLTX’s Conchitina Cruz on 20 November 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. This event is the 11th session of the “Site of Convergence: Weaving Tapestries of Knowledge” lecture series.

In this workshop, participants were taught how to use the zine as a medium for feminist advocacy. Participants were also given time to create their own zines and share their works.

The workshop facilitator, Conchitina Cruz, teaches creative writing and literature at UP Diliman. Her books of poetry include “Dark Hours,” “elsewhere held and lingered,” “There is no emergency,” and “Modus.” She received her PhD in English from State University of New York (SUNY) Albany. She co-organizes the small press/DIY expo Better Living Through Xeroxography (BLTX).

Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran and Dr. Rowena A. Laguilles-Timog of the UPCWGS and Dr. Conchitina Cruz with the participants of the Zine-Making for Feminist Advocacy workshop on November 20

UPCWGS and UPCWSFI attend ICWPS

Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran, director of the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS); Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea, director of the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc. (UPCWSFI); and UPCWGS staff were part of the 691 delegates at the opening of the three-day first ministerial-level International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS) on 28 October 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila.

Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea, Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran, and Marianne Joy C. Gervacio during the first day of the ICWPS 2024 on October 28 at the PICC

With the theme, “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace and Security,” the ICWPS 2024 is to serve as an international stocktaking on the implementation of the women, peace, and security agenda ahead of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). It aims to contribute to efforts to carve pathways and develop collaborative strategies for overcoming barriers to women’s full and meaningful participation in peacemaking and the mainstreaming of gender in the promotion of peace and security.

Advocating for Care, Pleasure, Equity, and Justice in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: The SHE Project Team

The Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) Research Project, led by the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) and the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc. (UPCWSFI) in partnership with Oxfam Pilipinas, is a transformative initiative committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Philippines. Over a period of four years, the project strove to surface the SRHR perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities in the Philippines, focusing on inclusivity, justice, and empowerment, and on reshaping SRHR research frameworks through feminist, intersectional, and creative approaches.

By adopting an intersectional approach, the SHE Project sought to understand the multifaceted obstacles related to SRHR in the Philippines. This approach recognizes that individuals hold diverse identities based on gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexuality, etc., influencing their experiences and access to SRHR services. Thus, the research was designed to be inclusive of and sensitive to the perspectives of vulnerable and underrepresented groups. The project particularly highlighted the narratives of female and male children, adolescents, adults, and older persons, indigenous peoples, Muslims, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The research utilized innovative and artistic methods – movement, literary, and visual arts – as well as focus group discussions, which allowed a deeper and more empathetic understanding of the participants’ experiences and viewpoints. Grounded in feminist standpoint epistemology, it ensured that the perspectives and voices of vulnerable individuals were central to the research process.

Envisioned as a catalyst for significant improvements in SRHR practices in the Philippines, the project prioritized developing actionable recommendations that address the unique needs of different sectors, contributing to a more holistic approach to advancing SRHR, promoting bodily autonomy, and preventing gender-based violence.

The culmination of these efforts is featured in the book, Pasya, Laya, at Sining: Reshaping SRHR from the Margins, launched on 24 May 2024. This pioneering work presents the research findings, creative methods utilized, policy recommendations, and sheds a sharper light on the multidimensional terrain of SRHR. 

The hope is that this book will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and advocates. It encourages continued dialogue, research, and action, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and rights are attainable for all.

Download the book here: https://bit.ly/PasyaLayaSiningBook.

Watch the SHE Project Video Highlights here:

UPCWGS-Oxfam SHE Project Research Team

Project Lead
Nathalie Africa-Verceles

Deputy Project Lead
Maya Tamayo

Program Manager
Shebana Alqaseer

Program Assistant/Program Manager (2023-2024)
Rafaella Potestades

Admin and Finance Officers
Donabel Cabuyao and Cecile Laison

Creative Experts and Workshop Facilitators

  • Movement: Sabrina Laya Gacad, Raul Raquitico Jr.
  • Lifestories: Marie Aubrey Villaceran, Conchitina Cruz, Bernard Julian A. Patiño, Jasmine Cruz
  • Visual: Amos Manlangit, Flordeliz Rañola, Fernand Vincent Hermoso

Cluster Experts

  • LGBTQ+: Beatriz Torre
  • Adults and Older Persons: Monina Aquino, Ana Marie Antonio
  • Children and Adolescents: Excelsa Tongson
  • IPs and Muslim (Deputy Program Manager 2023-2024): Dawn Marie Castro
  • Persons with Disabilities: Raquel Ignacio (with support from Laniza R. Lacsamana)

Psychosocial Assistance Provider
Viola Jo Ann G. Torres (with support from Laniza R. Lacsamana, Joie Cortina, Jaclyn Marie Cauyan)

Co-Facilitators

  • Gender: Amanda Lee Centeno-Hach, Ana Marie Antonio
  • Muslim: Kharis M. Sumaguina, Samsoden D. Potawan, Jamal R. Pandapatan
  • Children: Sarah Romero, Kathreen Joy C. De Luna, Katrina Beatriz C. Cayron

Local Coordinators

  • LGBTQ+ Cluster: Rafaella Potestades
  • Persons with Disabilities Cluster: Sanny Flaviano Bautista
  • Tuguegarao Adult Cluster: Jhemarie P. Tamanu
  • Negros Oriental Adult Cluster: Luz M. Bador
  • Muslim Cluster: Sittie Nur Dayhanna Mohamad
  • Indigenous Peoples Cluster: Milina L. Jeruta
  • Older Persons Cluster: Kaya Alcantara
  • Children Cluster: Joyzel San Valentin
  • Adolescents Cluster: Aaron Durante

Documenters
Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan, Angelica Enario, Arche de los Santos, Charles Mangga, Chloe Francisco, Chrismel Ray Guinsan Tabujara, Fermina Vergara, Jake Alrianne Rol, Jersey Cacalda, Jhulia Datu, John Albert Pagunsan, Nathan Austria, Kaya Alcantara, Ken Paolo Gilo, Rennie Ann Arcena

FSL Interpreters
Catherine Joy F. Villareal, Jemuel Japson, Mark Jayobo, Ember Parpa – Palma

Feminist Media Lab
Maritess Cruz, Nicole Frances Rosacay, Miguel Potestades, Rem Salvan, Reynald Ramirez, Searle Kathleen Lira, Kit John de Galicia, Gerlyn Mae Mariano, Joie Cortina

For more information and collaboration:

UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies
Magsaysay Avenue corner Ylanan Street, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc.
[email protected]

SHE Project Team through Rafaella Potestades
[email protected] 

UPCWGS meets Philippine Navy

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) met with LCDR Rufino Kho Jr., PN and his team from the Philippine Navy last week. The guests were given a set of select UPCWGS publications.

UPCWGS staff with guests from the Philippine Navy

UPCWGS conducts UP System GAD Coordinating Committee Meeting

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo D. P. Cubillan with the heads and staff of the GAD offices and OASH of the UP constituent universities on the first day of the UP System GAD Coordinating Committee Meeting

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), with the support of the UP Office of the President, conducted the UP System GAD Coordinating Committee Meeting on 29-30 August 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. The event was attended by the heads and staff of the gender and development (GAD) offices and offices of anti-sexual harassment (OASH) of the UP constituent universities.

Resource persons included Atty. E. (Leo) D. Battad of the Gender Law and Policy Program (GLPP), College of Law, UP Diliman and Boz Paul B. Suaybaguio; Armando G. Orcilla Jr. of the Policy Development, Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PDPMED), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Atty. Fortunata M. Rubico of the Commission on Audit (COA); Ma. Monica P. Pagunsan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Jocelyn Beltran-Balanag of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan of the UP Open University Office of Gender Concerns; Anna Myrishia R. Villanueva of the UP Diliman Gender Office; Dr. Rosemarie B. Del Rosario of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); and Genesis Giselle T. Baseleres of the UP Los Baños Gender Center. Guest speakers were UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and Dr. Leo D. P. Cubillan, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs.

UPCWGS conducts Research Dissemination Forum

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) conducted the UPCWGS Research Dissemination Forum on 13 August 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room. This event is the 10th session of the “Site of Convergence: Weaving Tapestries of Knowledge” lecture series.

The studies presented, which received the 2023 UPCWGS Research Grant, were “The Face of Menopause: Portraits of the Menopausal Filipino Women” by Dr. Liza A. Cabrera of the College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños and Brenda G. Caballero of the College of Nursing, Bukidnon State University; “Women Empowerment and Deprivation in the Philippines: Trends and Comparisons Using DHS Data” by Asst. Prof. John Carlo P. Daquis and Alliah Yvonne B. Bobier of the School of Statistics, UP Diliman; “Removing Invisibility Cloak: Accounting Roles and Impacts of Women in Philippine Fisheries and Its Sustainability” by Abigail A. Garcia and Dr. Jonathan A. Anticamara of the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman; and “Development of a Counseling Framework for Mothers of Children with Perinatally Acquired HIV Disease” by Dr. Queenie R. Ridulme of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies, UP Open University and Paul Froilan U. Garma of the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital.

Dr. Rowena A. Laguilles-Timog (left) and Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran (right) of the UPCWGS with (clockwise from top left) Asst. Prof. John Carlo P. Daquis, Dr. Liza A. Cabrera, Dr. Queenie R. Ridulme, and Abigail A. Garcia at the UPCWGS Research Dissemination Forum on August 13

UPCWGS director attends 1st APWiL In-Person Summit 2024

Attendees of the 1st APWiL In-Person Summit 2024 at the University of Auckland, New Zealand

The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) director, Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran, participated in the 1st Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) In-Person Summit 2024 on June 22-23 at the University of Auckland, New Zealand as a core group member. She was joined by APWiL mentees from UP Diliman, Asst. Prof. Maritess D. Cruz of the Department of Women and Development Studies, College of Social Work and Community Development and Asst. Prof. Irish Joy G. Deocampo of the Department of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Letters.

Filipinas at the 1st APWiL In-Person Summit 2024 at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran (right) of the UPCWGS with APWiL mentees (from left to right), Dr. Carla T. Hilario of the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus; Asst. Prof. Irish Joy G. Deocampo; and Asst. Prof. Maritess D. Cruz

The APWiL In-Person Summit 2024 brought together, for the first time, participants and alumni of the APWiL Mentoring Program to discuss gender equity in the Pacific Rim region: the current state of gender equity in academia, strategies and practices to improve gender equity, and the experiences of APWiL Mentoring Program participants.