โAng isang tunay na ligtas na institusyon ay hindi lamang nakabatay sa mga patakaran, kundi sa kulturang may malasakit na isinasabuhay sa araw-araw. Hindi sapat na mayroon tayong guidelines o policies kung hindi naman ito nakikita at nararamdaman sa ating pang-araw-araw na ugnayan,โ said University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo during the anti-sexual harassment seminar held on November 28, 2025, at the University Closed Gymnasium, NEUST Sumacab Campus.
Dubbed โPromoting Safe, Inclusive, and Harassment-Free Learning Environmentโ, the seminar, which focused on the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313), was organized by the University Gender and Development (GAD) Office in coordination with the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO).
The program aimed to equip faculty and staff with proper guidelines and a deeper understanding of fostering a safe and respectful academic environment.
In his message, Atty. Bembol Castillo reminded participants, โSexual harassment is not an ordinary issue. As public officials, we must at all times be accountable to the people, and we must serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.โ
The lecture proper was delivered by Atty. James Lee Cundangan, Assistant Solicitor General of the Philippines, who provided explanations on sexual harassment, including addressing unreported cases, and emphasized the zero-tolerance policy toward such offenses.
โLetโs address this issue โnowโ,โ ASG Cundangan urged.
He also highlighted that the diverse needs of individuals require different avenues and venues for reporting, sharing relevant sample cases from the academe for participants to learn from and avoid in their own practice.
ASG Cundangan also engaged participants during the open forum, addressing questions on topics such as cross-dressing and anonymous complaints.
The seminar reinforces NEUSTโs commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free learning and working environment for all members of the university community.
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