By Krisvimar Nogra – BA COMM 4, Centralian Link Intern
“Her Voice, Their Rights” organizers, attendees, and guests (Photo credits: Joshua Ezekiel Almanon)
To empower women, it is also crucial for her to be educated on her rights. The third year Bachelor of Science in Social Work students of Central Philippine University under the College of Arts and Sciences chose to shed light on an issue that is often overlooked but relevant in our society: violence against women.
Headed by Event Leads Joshua Ezekiel S. Almanon and Ryzza Angela T. Escorial, the “Her Voice, Their Rights: Ending Violence Against Women and Their Children” seminar was held on April 14, 2026 from 8 to 11:30 AM at the Audio Visual Room of the Senior High School Building in CPU. The event was executed under the instruction of Mr. Jett Louis C. Dumlao, who guided the organizing students as the seminar adviser.
The core of the seminar focused on Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 where Ms. Karren Jay G. Asgar, Ms. Therese Mae A. Amistas, and Ms. Dorothy Belle P. Vitug served as guest speakers for the discussion, with Atty. Ina Noelene M. Bernales as the supervising lawyer, and Ms. Carmelle Frances M. Romero graced the event with her appearance to support the initiative.
Legal provisions of the law and enlightenment of different abuse against women were comprehensively discussed in the event, highlighting the rights and protection granted to victims subjected to physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. Awareness, early prevention, and responsibilities of the community were heavily tackled in the seminar.
In the topic of legal remedies and proper reporting, attendee Carla Jane Bibanco shared “What stayed with me most is that aside from visible wounds, there are emotional and psychological injuries that can shape a person’s life not only for a short time but for years or even a lifetime. I came to see that aside from expanding my knowledge about laws and protection, the seminar also deepened my compassion, sharpened my judgment, and influenced how I respond to injustice.”
Event Lead Mr. Almanon credits his team of dedicated individuals for the success of their seminar. “As the leader of the group’s seminar, I extend my deepest gratitude to my co-leader and co-facilitators for their unwavering dedication, strong sense of teamwork, and wholehearted support throughout the entire process. Their commitment and cooperation were vital in bringing this seminar to life, ensuring every detail from planning to execution of the seminar was carried out seamlessly,” expressed Almanon.
The event is one of six seminars conducted by the third year BS Social Work students in compliance with their “Seminar on Current Trends” subject.