To create a healthy and safe working environment for its stakeholders, the university held a seminar on fighting against gender-based violence in the workplace on the 26th of February. BSU Gender and Development Office (GAD) in partnership with the Office for Legal Affairs organized the said seminar. Attendees consisted of employees from the three university campuses in La Trinidad, Bokod, and Buguias. 

In their discussions, Legal Office Chief Reynante B. Basco, Legal Assistant III Jeanne B. Harder-Balacay, and Legal Assistant II Sheinly B. Balacay-Amcay, took turns expounding on Republic Act No. 7877 known as "Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995," Republic Act No. 11313 known as "Safe Spaces Act," and the Republic Act No. 9262 known as "Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004."

Specifically, provisions, penalties, and prescription dates on each case classification werre tackled by the speakers. 

According to Basco, while the number of charges on gender-based violence cases is on the rise, this can also be a good indicator that more people are becoming aware and well-versed in their legal rights and privileges, thus giving them courage to pursue legal actions against such cases. 

In their remarks, GAD-TWG members Marlon S. Tabdi and Amelia M. kimeu thanked the speakers for enthusiastically sharing their knowledge. 

To end, Kimeu further said that such advocacy can be maintained successfully through "strong support, sustained efforts, collaboration, and ongoing evaluation to adopt strategies based on evolving needs and challenges in the workplace." 

CANapiloy, BTayaban (UPAO Staff Intern)