Guimaras State University (GSU) hosted a forum on the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313) on April 2, 2025, at the GSU Covered Gymnasium. The event, organized by the GSU Student Republic and the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, aimed to inform students about legal protections against sexual harassment.
GSU Student Republic Adviser Rey Arturo delivered the opening remarks, foregrounding the Act’s SAFE principles—Support, Access, Freedom, and Empowerment. He then featured its role in instilling accountability and promoting inclusive communities.
Likewise, University President Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Erly Martir addressed the attendees, stressing the importance of respecting individual rights. GAD Director Frenne Zarate provided an overview of the Act’s provisions and its relevance to protecting personal dignity, urging students to uphold its principles.
PLTCOL Marie Faith S. Superio presented a comparative analysis of the Sexual Harassment Act (Republic Act No. 7877) and the Safe Spaces Act. She explained that RA 7877 primarily addresses harassment within workplaces and educational institutions involving authority figures, while RA 11313 expands coverage to include any form of unwanted sexual behavior in public and online spaces. She also discussed key aspects of consent and warning signs of inappropriate conduct.
The forum concluded with an open discussion, during which students from various colleges raised questions and presented scenarios related to the topic. The speaker then responded by clarifying legal interpretations and addressing concerns regarding the implementation of the law.
