by Yhric Ascura, ASVP Staff, College of Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Stella Fernandez.
Dr. Stella G. Fernandez was the keynote speaker during the first “Virtual Gender Research Colloquium” last March 26, 2021. The event was the first joint session of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo (JBLFMU-Molo) with the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFIED), Western Visayas Chapter in joviality and respect to the “Women Month for Women empowerment and equality” via Zoom.
On Women empowerment, Dr. Fernandez shared the United Nations (UN) definition which highlights five components: Women’s sense of self-worth; Right to have and determine choices; Right to access to opportunities and resources; Right to have the power to control their own lives—both within and outside the home; and the Ability to influence the direction of social change to create more social and economic order—nationally and internationally. She has also quoted some biblical passages found in Luke 10:38-42 which elucidated Mary’s behavior outside of the cultural norm, and in the eyes of many. The complaint Mary’s sister was reckoned as valid, but Jesus tells that Mary has chosen the better way. Also, some chapters in the book of Genesis were discussed. In chapter 1 verses 26-28 the passage “If women are to live up to the full purpose of their calling, then they need to know what their God-given and innate abilities are” was mentioned and exemplified. At the brink of those passages, the emphasis on women’s looks was conjectured. As for her, people would usually rate women many times on their looks, their nurturing abilities, or maybe of their emotional intelligence, but seldom in their ability to lead, rule, or manage.
The highlight of the speeches was the message of Dr. Stella Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of Central Philippine University (CAS-CPU), who is also a secretary of the UNIFFIED Incorporation, Western Visayas. Her message emphasized the 2017-2022 National Women Month Celebration’s aspirations; to inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change—to contribute to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of all women. The words of Dr. Fernandez cohesively explained the theme: “Juana, Laban sa Pandemya; Kaya!”
The dispatch of Dr. Fernandez was followed by the presentation of the five presenters. These were Rolando Alimen with his research, Women Empowerment in Leading Environmental Education and Waste Management Advocacy among Mothers in the Maritime University; Stella Sacenal-Cantor: Life Problems and Coping Strategies of Seafarers’ Wives; Louise May Macoco-Lim: BABAYI, kumusta ka sa Tunga sang Pandemya? The Power of Getting Up through Anzualda’s Ethics of Hope; Donie Alvon Manosa: The Psychology of Maritime Education; A Gender-Based Perspective; and lastly, Angelyn Sebastian: Internalization of Core Values among Graduating Business Students. The wrap-up session succeeded the presentations. At the notch-point of activity was the closing remark of the Research Director of the university, Dr. Melchor Magramo.