To champion gender sensitivity, inclusivity, and a safe working/learning environment, Sorsogon State University (SorSU), led by the Office of Legal Affairs, Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), Gender and Development (GAD) Office, and the Office of the Campus Directors, empowered and further raised awareness among its teaching and non-teaching personnel through an activity titled Puso at Respeto: Promoting Safe Space in the Workplace on May 13, 2025, for Batch 1, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
In lieu of Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus), Dr. Ma. Claire M. Dicen (Dean, College of Business and Management) delivered the opening remarks, noting that the seminar is indeed a timely and essential discussion for fostering an inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment within the academic community.
Dean Dicen stated, “Puso at Respeto beautifully captures the essence of what we are striving for at Sorsogon State University — Ang Pamantasang May Puso.”
The activity highlighted insightful lectures from expert/legal professionals, including a comprehensive discussion on Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313 – Bawal Bastos Law) by PEMS Jinky A. Latagan (Chief Women and Children Protection Desk Police Non-Commissioned Officer), where PEMS Latagan emphasized that the Bawal Bastos Law expands the scope of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH), which encompasses all forms of GBSH acts committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplace, and online space. She also detailed the elements and corresponding penalties for various acts of GBSH in public and/or online spaces.
In the afternoon session, Atty. Mary Joy C. Bongapat (Attorney IV, SorSU-Legal Unit) provided an in-depth overview of the 2017 Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in Civil Service (RACCS). Atty. Bongapat addressed the classifications of administrative offenses and penalties, the creation and functions of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CoDI), the role of the Grievance Committee, and the procedural aspects of the 2017 RACCS. Further, the lectures also included open forum sessions, allowing the participants to pose queries and seek clarifications.
Ms. Glady Joy M. Mella (Gender and Development Coordinator, Sorsogon City Campus), in her closing remarks, asserted that creating such safe spaces is not merely a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of the academic community, where everyone can learn, work, and grow without fear.
“Let us carry forward the knowledge na nalaman natin ngayong araw [we gained today] to ensure that our University is a beacon of safety. Dito tayo magsisimula.”
The Puso at Respeto seminar is designed to further enhance awareness and adherence to the Safe Spaces Act and the 2017 RACCS among University employees, reinforcing SorSU’s commitment to safeguarding human rights, advancing gender-sensitive policies, and upholding an inclusive and safe working/learning environment. (SorSU PIO)
