Empowerment and Awareness Drive Women’s Month Activities at BukSU Kalilangan

Recognizing the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment, Bukidnon State University (BukSU) Kalilangan Campus marked National Women’s Month with a series of events throughout March 2025.

The celebration featured discussions on legal protections, creative competitions, and advocacy programs aligned with the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Organized by the university’s Gender and Development (GAD) office in collaboration with the student organization Equal Horizon Society, the event opened on March 12 with “Zumba Para Kay Juana” and a formal program.

BukSU Kalilangan Campus Head Mr. Richard S. Sudario noted that the occasion underscored the importance of ensuring women’s voices are heard and their rights upheld.

“This celebration reminds us that empowering women is not just about recognizing their achievements but also about ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected,” said Sudario.

Competitions, including spoken poetry, photography, singing, poster-making, and an advocacy video presentation, engaged students throughout the month. One of the key activities was “Juana Looks Familiar,” leading to the highlight of the celebration, “Juana 2025.” Candidates presented their advocacies, and Ms. Mariniella H. Valiente was named Juana 2025 for her advocacy on “promoting digital literacy among women in rural areas, ensuring their inclusion in the digital age.”

The “GAD Talks” session was held on March 19, featuring speakers addressing legal protections for women.

Pat Cyria Ariola discussed Republic Act 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2002, and emphasized that safeguarding victims of human trafficking requires collective responsibility. She also covered Republic Act 10627, the Anti-Bullying Act, and Republic Act 11596, which prohibits early child marriage.

Police Corporal Divina Boncales from the Philippine National Police-Kalilangan provided an overview of Republic Act 9710, the Magna Carta of Women, and discussed gender equality and the role of women in community development. She also tackled Republic Act 9262, the Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, and Republic Act 7192, the Women in Development and Nation-Building Act.

The month-long celebration concluded on March 26 with an awarding and closing program. GAD Coordinator James D. Tuvilla said that efforts toward gender equality extend beyond the event and continue in everyday actions promoting inclusivity.

“Our journey toward gender equality doesn’t end here. It continues in every effort we make to create a more inclusive and empowered society,” said Tuvilla.

Other BukSU satellite campuses observed the same celebration, advocating for an inclusive and equal society where every Juan has a voice, a purpose, and the power to create meaningful change. (Richard S. Sudario, Campus Head, and James D. Tuvilla, GAD Coordinator)