Championing Rights: Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education Is a Must
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) invites everyone to Championing Rights: Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education Is a Must on 8 April 2025 (Tuesday), 2:00-4:00 PM at the UPCWGS Conference Room. This event is the 12th session of the “Site of Convergence: Weaving Tapestries of Knowledge” lecture series.
Register here.
This is an event where a panel of speakers will answer the question: Why should we support comprehensive sexuality education? They will share their experiences and knowledge about working with youth communities regarding adolescent reproductive health and rights.
Our speakers are:
Sabrina Laya S. Gacad is presently the chairperson of the Department of Women and Development Studies, at the College of Social Work and Community Development in UP Diliman. Her research interests include Filipino sexuality, reproductive health behaviors and policies, and authentic movement. She also maintains a meditative movement practice and offers private classes. She is also the founder of Lunas Collective, a volunteer-powered online helpline and care space for people seeking support related to gender-based violence, and reproductive health. Lunas Collective’s helpline operates from Monday to Saturday, 1:00-7:00 PM.
Luis Emmanuel A. Abesamis is a health social scientist and gender studies scholar with transdisciplinary training in anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Their scholarly interests are in transgender health, the social and political histories of public health, critical drug studies, and community health engagement. Luis earned their Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences (magna cum laude) from the University of the Philippines Manila and their Master of Health Social Science from De La Salle University Manila. At present, they are a fellow of the UPCWGS, a member of the International Advisory Board of the Community Development Journal, and an affiliated researcher of the Decolonial Studies Research Network.
Diana Verzosa Moraleda leads Roots of Health’s strategic media programs that raise public awareness on reproductive health and promote health-seeking behavior. Her diverse experience across research, advocacy, media, and project management underscores her ability to amplify critical issues, consolidate insights, manage complex programs, and shape communication strategies to drive social change. Before joining Roots of Health in 2022, Diana held key roles in international NGOs including International Alert, Research Triangle Institute, and Child Rights Coalition Asia, where she contributed to peace-building, health governance, and child rights. She has also worked in academic institutions and grassroots organizations focused on social justice and public health.
John Lawrence Legaspi, commonly known as Lega, is a community leader, community journalist, and an advocate. He is currently the head of the social communications committee of the youth network Kabataan Community Health Advocacy and currently serving as communications staff at Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, Inc. In 2023, Lega became a certified community-based HIV screening motivator trained by HIV & AIDS Support House, Inc. (HASH) followed by the Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP). With his dedication in community education and access to services, Lega became one of the top community group leaders/promoters of the Community CSOs’ Action for SRHR, a project of Likhaan and co-funded by the European Union. Lega continuously serves the community through his advocacy in mental health, human rights, arts, environment, sexual health, and journalism.
