UNC-USG, LSB lead review of Filipina rights

JAYVEE FORTUNO

IN OBSERVANCE OF 2021 Women’s Month, the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) University Student Government (USG) and UNC Law School Board (UNC-LSB), in collaboration with JCI Naga Carinosa, launched the second installment of Project Iskomunidad, Juana Know: Reviewing Unpopular Rights for Every Juana, held last March 28.

The webinar aimed to educate and inform every Juana or Filipino woman about rights they may not be aware of with the help of the following guest speakers: Atty. Arlene Alangco, Commission on Human Rights Region V director, spoke about the Magna Carta for Women, which prohibits discrimination against women; Danella Bianca Bona spoke about Memorandum Circular 2016-07, which conforms to existing laws and relevant jurisprudence, allowing married women to keep and use their maiden names instead of their husband’s surname. Samira Gutoc, women’s advocate and former legislator, addressed the RA 11210 Maternity Benefit Act, and Amber Quiban, UP Babaylan member, focused on the SOGIE Equality Bill, which stresses equality among the rights of homosexuals and heterosexuals.

“Today, you are going to be acquiring knowledge sharing on the rights of women. May this knowledge this afternoon play into our purpose of life, whatever God’s will for you, knowing those rights will empower us more than by those rights, much will be done, if we have [the] knowledge to do so,” University President Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya highlighted in her opening address.

Additionally, JCI Naga Carinosa President Marianne Edna Gomez reminded the public of their responsibility to fight for and defend women’s rights since these rights are made to protect them.

“Respect must always be the norm. We should be educating people through programs and policies on the National and Private levels. We must keep working every day to ingrain equality in the culture. It may be or not we realize it, but it DR. FAY LEA PATRIA LAURAYA UNC PRESIDENT

can make a change in many lives,” Senator Risa Hontiveros tackled in the same webinar.

Moreover, USG President Marie Angella Averilla emphasized the significance of asserting women’s rights to defend their freedom and resist those who try to subdue them.

“Your essence lies upon your ability to decide for your own body, decide to whom you want to marry, to go to places you’ve never been without being restricted, to fulfill your passion without hesitation, to exercise your rights, to fight for your freedom and to resist misogynists,” Averilla explained.

The said webinar was made successful with the participation of different students from the university and with the partnered organizations as moderated by Krystel Sales, UNC Law School Board governor.

Among those who attended the webinar are STEM 11 learner Francine Ivanna Gabay, who shared her agreement about the Memorandum Circular 2016-07, citing that it could highlight a woman’s personal achievements before and after marriage.

“Yes, I totally agree with it because it’s one way of attaining gender equality and abolishing the evident patriarchy in our society. Before, a married woman is obliged to change her surname including their children according to her husband’s family name which can sort of neglect her personal achievements before and after she got married. By implementing this law, women will now have the choice and freedom to do whatever they want, which is the main goal of Feminism”, Gabay discussed.

Moreover, Sofia Suzaine Jacinto, 17, STEM 11 learner, the incoming Supreme Student Government Secretary, also shared her opinion with one unpopular right mentioned which is the Magna Carta for Women.

“I agree, as Magna Carta is composed of every women’s right in such ways and there are many situations that need women to be protected, guarded, empowered with their equal rights and being respected without abusing, undervalue and discrimination. With this, they are probably valuing every woman that they are valid and must be treated right as they have a law for them,” Jacinto stressed.

Meanwhile, Jillian Gayle Tarrobago, 17, GAS 12 learner, shared that it is important for women to know their rights.

“It is what keeps us equal, a human being who also deserves to exist in this world without being discriminated [against], abused, questioned of their worth, or feeling inferior,” Tarrobago added.

Screengrabs from UNC University Student Government FB Page