Davao del Sur State College held an academic forum on March 11, 2026, at the DSSC Mini Theater as part of its observance of Women’s Month. The activity carried the theme “Her Rights, Her Power, Her Voice,” which united students and faculty members with guest speakers to examine women’s rights, leadership, and legal protection.
The forum drew inspiration from the legacy of the Babaylans in pre-colonial communities, highlighting the long-standing role of women as leaders, healers, and decision-makers. The event focused on how these traditional roles continue to influence current discussions about women’s participation in contemporary society.
One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Juliana Salvadori of the Universidade do Estado da Bahia in Brazil, delivered a lecture titled “Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in a Changing World.” Her presentation examined the experiences of women in leadership and the continuing efforts to advance gender equality in different sectors.
Another speaker, Police Executive Master Sergeant Philip Ang Llameg, discussed the importance of legal awareness in protecting women and children. His talk explained the responsibilities of law enforcement in responding to cases of violence and emphasized the need for public understanding of available legal remedies.
The forum also revisited important laws that protect women in the Philippines, including Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women and Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. The discussion aimed to strengthen awareness of these legal protections among students and participants.
The activity was organized through the cooperation of the DSSC Gender and Development Office, the International Affairs and Relations Office, and the Bachelor of Public Administration Program. Student organizers from the BPA POWERFUL Economic and Global Mobility Sector assisted in facilitating the forum under the guidance of their faculty advisers.
Through activities such as this, DSSC continues to support conversations on women’s rights and leadership. The forum also relates to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by encouraging awareness, participation, and empowerment within the academic community.
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