The Office of Gender Concerns successfully celebrated Pride Month with a webinar titled “Landscape of SOGIESC Advocacy in the Philippines.” The event, was held at the UP Open University Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, in hybrid mode.
Aligned with UPOU’s chosen theme for Pride Month, “ODeL4GEDSI: Connecting Identities, Creating Allies,” the webinars aimed to explore the diverse landscape of SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression) advocacy in the Philippines. The goal was to delve into Open and Distance eLearning’s (ODeL) empowering role in fostering a fair, diverse, and inclusive society.
The host, Assistant Professor Lloyd Lyndel Simporios of UPOU, began by welcoming all attendees and expressing a heartfelt happy Pride Month. The host then, Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, the Chancellor of UPOU, for her opening message. Dr. Bandelaria spoke about UPOU’s acceptance of individuals who go beyond the binary concept of gender. She emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities to celebrate events like Pride Month in the university, aligned with the inclusivity and openness in the open and distance e-learning framework at UPOU. Following Dr. Bandalaria’s remarks, the host welcomed Perci Cendaña, the former president of Babaylanes Inc. and Quezon City GAD Council Consultant for SOGIESC Issues, as the guest speaker.
During their presentation, Perci discussed the various aspects of SOGIESC advocacy, mainly focusing on social inclusion. They engaged the audience by asking them what they desired most in life, and their responses included peace of mind and a high quality of life. Perci introduced the well-being formula, which involved removing the elements of stigma and discrimination (SAD) and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI). The speaker highlighted the importance of incorporating DEI practices in the Philippines, starting with the private sector. Cendaña underscored the need for equal rights for the LGBT community and emphasized the creation of inclusive environments that provide opportunities for everyone.
Mader Perci, as what they are being referred to, also discussed different settings where SOGIESC advocacy is relevant. They emphasized the importance of legal recognition and support for LGBT individuals in forming families or achieving marriage equality through civil unions. They highlighted the need for safe community spaces, equal rights, and the fight against discrimination.
Additionally, Mader Perci addressed the importance of education in promoting scientific values that foster diversity and inclusion. They emphasized the importance of continuous learning and unlearning to ensure inclusivity. The workplace was also discussed as a crucial setting, emphasizing the importance of work organizations implementing inclusive practices. Lastly, Cendaña stressed the significance of social services in stopping discrimination and enabling services, drawing from the positive example set by Quezon City LGU.
Mader Perci touched upon topics such as Anti Discrimination Bill / SOGIE Equality Bill (ADB/SEB) as one way to address the following: hate crimes, recognition of next of kin, civil unions, and gender recognition. Cendaña concluded their presentation with an advocacy for a humane society, stating, “ang isang makataong lipunan, walang diskriminasyon” (a humane society is discrimination free).
Following the presentation, the host facilitated a Q&A session with Cendaña, allowing participants to gain insights and engage in meaningful discussions. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Finaflor Taylan, the Director of the Office of Gender Concerns, who emphasized that everyone should be an advocate for a more inclusive society.
Indeed, the webinar provided valuable insights into the landscape of SOGIESC advocacy in the Philippines, helping the participants to become co-advocates, and deepening participants’ understanding of its significance in shaping a more inclusive future for all.
Written by FALopez