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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Three agency-hired staff of the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) were recognized for their exemplary service during the Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Paglilingkod ng mga Agency-Hired na Kawani on 11 June 2024 at the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SoLAIR) Auditorium in UP Diliman. The awardees and awards are: (1) Eva C. Cordita, custodial worker with 3 years of service, one of the five Natatanging Agency-Hired na Kawani; (2) Jannet I. Rocero, security guard with 4 years and 9 months of service; and (3) Liwayway Raquel J. Rivera, security guard with 18 years and 9 months of service. The event was hosted by the UP Office of the Vice President for Administration (OVPA).
(From left to right) Liwayway Raquel J. Rivera, Eva C. Cordita, and Jannet I. Rocero during the Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Paglilingkod ng mga Agency-Hired na Kawani on June 11 at the SoLAIR Auditorium, UP Diliman
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) hosted the book talk on Historical Biographies of Cross-Cultural Adoptees featuring “Little Drops: Cherished Children of Singapore’s Past” by Dr. Theresa W. Devasahayam on 23 May 2024 at the UPCWGS Conference Room.
Dr. Devasahayam, a family and gender anthropologist, is the author of several books of which the latest deals with child adoption in Malaya from the 1930s to the early 1970s. The book contains the stories of 15 adoptees in Singapore. It is a compilation of biographies based on historical facts about the pain of separation and the lure of love, and how these themes constantly collide.
Dr. Theresa W. Devasahayam at the book talk on “Little Drops: Cherished Children of Singapore’s Past” on May 23
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) met with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on 15 March 2024 at the PCW to discuss good practices and effective strategies to ensure PCW endorsement of Gender and Development (GAD) Budget and Plans as well as GAD Accomplishment Reports.
In the same visit, the UPCWGS handed over a collection of its GAD-related publications to the PCW Library.
UPCWGS and PCW staff during the meeting on March 15 at the PCW
The Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) and the generous support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines and S&P Global Foundation, launched the PFIP 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report on 30 April 2024 at the School of Statistics Auditorium in UP Diliman.
Participated by over 100 companies from multiple industries and business centers across the Philippines, PFIP’s latest research documents the progress made in lifting the overall experience of Filipino LGBTQ+ working professionals while also identifying opportunity areas for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champions and executive allies within the corporate pride community.
Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran (center) of the UPCWGS with the Philippine Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Honorable Marielle Geraedts and PFIP Program Manager Dawn Castro during the launch of the PFIP 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report on April 30 at the School of Statistics, UP Diliman
