IDC Gender and Development Program

No Room for Misogynist in the Public Office!

SO sad that we ONLY SEE this as JOKES and that if you react you are "maarte" or so "sensitive.

Gender Equality and Ending Violence Against Women are still on-going advocacies and we still has a long FIGHT!

No to Gender-Based Violence
No to Misogyny!
No to Sexist Behavior in public office!

𝗡𝗼 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗴𝘆𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

As a lawyer and a citizen of a country whose Constitution enshrines the equal dignity of every human being, I write this with deep disappointment—and growing alarm. The 2025 elections should be a time to elevate national discourse, yet we are once again witnessing a troubling display of sexism, misogyny, and casual violence from those seeking to lead us.

Let me be clear: anyone aspiring for public office who demeans, objectifies, or belittles women has no place in government. Public service demands respect—not only for the law, but for the people the law seeks to protect. And when candidates treat women as punchlines, sexual objects, or lesser beings, they expose not just their character, but their unfitness to lead.

When congressional candidate Christian Sia said he was willing to sleep with single mothers who are “still menstruating,” it was not just a tasteless joke—it was a glaring sign of moral bankruptcy. No amount of campaign charisma can cover up the fact that his words reduced women to their reproductive functions and insulted the dignity of single mothers fighting to survive and raise their children.

When Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia said he wanted to give nursing scholarships to “beautiful women,” he didn’t just insult the nursing profession—he perpetuated the toxic notion that a woman’s worth is measured by her physical appearance. Nurses deserve to be celebrated for their compassion, skill, and sacrifice—not objectified as decorative aides for the male ego.

And when a vice mayor refers to a respected woman as “laos” (a has-been) and implies her supporters belong in the cemetery, it speaks volumes about the immaturity and misogyny that still pervade our politics. It also reveals an even more dangerous truth: that women, especially strong and accomplished women, are still feared by insecure men in power.

This is not just about political correctness—it is about fundamental human decency. Leaders shape culture. When candidates normalize sexism, they invite others to do the same. They embolden the street harasser, the abusive husband, the dismissive employer. They send a message that women can be laughed at, insulted, and cast aside without consequence.

But there must be consequences. Because when leaders fail to respect women, they fail the very essence of leadership itself.

As a lawyer, I join the growing call to ensure that misogyny is not rewarded at the ballot box. If laws must be passed to bar candidates who display discriminatory behavior from running, then let us pass them. But more than the law, this is a matter of conscience. A candidate who cannot respect women cannot respect the people.

The power to change this lies in our hands. Let us demand more from our leaders—not just intelligence or charm, but integrity, empathy, and basic respect. This country deserves better. Our women deserve better.

📸Impact PH

Purple Wednesdays at IDC!

Purple is giving... empowerment!!! 💜✨

Make this your Wednesday habit this month of March! Makiisa sa Purple Wednesdays bilang pagsuporta sa karapatan ng lahat ng kababaihan at pagkakapantay-pantay ng kasarian. Simply wear anything purple every Wednesdays of March. Maaari ring magsuot ng purple sa pagdiriwang ng International Women’s Day sa March 8.

You can also take photos and post them with the hashtags and ! 💜

Learn more about this year’s sub-theme, focus, and activities through this link: https://pcw.gov.ph/2025-national-womens-month-celebration/

IDC Gender and Development Program celebrates March as the National Women's Month.

Promoting the rights and welfare of women with the theme adopted from PCW, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas”. It embodies a sense of optimism and hope, symbolizing a future where women’s lives are truly uplifted. It reflects the commitment to translating gender equality efforts from policy into tangible, meaningful changes in the lives of women. This vision seeks to ensure that all women, particularly those from underserved communities and marginalized sectors, reap the benefits of gender equality in their daily lives. By prioritizing these groups, the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration emphasizes the need for inclusive progress, ensuring that no woman is left behind in the journey toward equal opportunities and empowerment.





Source:PCW

On December 6, 2024, the IDC-GAD Program in collaboration with the GE Elect 2: Gender and Society Class and SW 314: Project Development and Management Class, spearheaded a seminar in line with the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. Attended by the 70 students (BSSW-68; BSPsy-2) mostly second and third year students and some coming from the first years.

November 25 marks the start of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women with the 2022-2027 recurring campaign theme, “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines” spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). This year’s sub-theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras,” highlights the urgency of the advocacy in line with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 or RA 9262. Thus, this seminar’s theme was "Pagtugon ng mga Estudyante: Karahasan Laban sa mga Kababaihan at Kabataan Wakasan!,” challenging students to heed the call to end violence against women and their children.

The program began with a welcome remarks delivered by the Dean of Academics, Prof. Teresa C. Solijon, MAEd, followed by an overview of the 18-day campaign given by the GAD Coordinator, Prof. Diadem Rose C. Jontarciego, RSW, MSW, ThM. She is also the head of the Social Work Program of the College of Arts and Sciences. Ms. Ana Marie E. Ramos, RM, RSW, introduced the resource speaker, Ms. Winde Ivy B. Bracamonte, RSW, MPG., a Social Welfare Officer 1 of the Iloilo City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the focal of the city’s Council for the Protection of Children.

Ms. Bracamonte tackled the basics of RA 9262, the different types of violence against women and their children, protocols and how women and their children can be protected by the Anti-VAWC law of 2004. It was an interactive discussion wherein the speaker gave real-life examples on how she or her office, the CSWDO, handled such VAWC cases.

Lastly, before the end of the program, it highlights an act of commitment of the students in becoming IDCian GADvocates thru writing messages in the solidarity wall and thru dancing to the “Bangon, Babae, Bangon,” a 1-billion-campaign to stop violence against women. A synthesis of the seminar was given by Mr. Lawrence D. Dorego, president of the Junior Social Worker’s Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) – IDC Chapter and 3rd year BSSW student.

So, let’s embody the call where a ‘VAW-Free Community Starts with Me’!!

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world” – Howard Zinn

December is dubbed as National Volunteerism Month. Prof. Diadem Rose Jontarciego, GAD Coordinator, attended a seminar entitled, "Igniting Change: Volunteerism and Gender Equity in Extension Services" held at the Tourism Hall of CDO City Hall, Cagayan De Oro City, MIsamis Oriental. This seminar was spearheaded by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in partnership with PAEPI, USTP, BPI and Ayala Foundations.

The 2-day seminar includes different topics that revolve around volunteerism, Gender-Responsive / Gender Sensitive Volunteerism and Financial Education. One of the highlights is an open book reading program immersion at different elementary schools in CDO. Prof. Jontarciego joined the group who immersed at Indahag Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro City.

The 3rd day of the event is the opening of the Volunteer Expo 2024 at Centrio Ayala Mall, CDO. Different GOs, NGOs, and private volunteer organizations joined the Volunteer Expo 2024.

Break the cycle of violence...Educate yourself, Speak Out and ask for help.

Stop victim blaming!

May r**e dahil may ra**st. Period. Hindi kailanman kasalanan ng biktima ang r**e. Stop victim-blaming!

I-report ang mga kaso ng VAW! Alamin kung saan at paano maaaring humingi ng tulong: https://buff.ly/4g5W0s7

Today, November 25, marks the start of the 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) until Dec. 12. This year's sub-theme is "VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras" in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of RA 9262.

On December 6, 2024, the IDC GAD Program, in collaboration with the GE Elect 2: Gender and Society Class, will hold a seminar entitled, “Pagtugon ng mga Estudyante: Karahasan Laban sa mga Kababaihan at Kabataan, Wakasan!” This seminar aims to foster awareness on VAWC among students and empower them to protect the rights of all genders, especially women and children.

The IDC GAD Program encourages its students, faculty, and staff to advocate for gender equality and an inclusive society for all creating a VAWC-free environment.