by: Kyle Andrew Abello || Photo Credit: Kiara Gaut

Aine Latoja and Chamuel Petilla, students of the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) graduating class of 2024, both gave their insights on the Safe Space for All forum organized by the Student Services Division (SSD) on September 22 in the school auditorium.

During the forum, Latoja said that sexual harassment is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, especially since, as a woman, she has experienced first hand being catcalled in supposedly safe spaces.

“It’s good to be informed that there are legislations imposed that do not tolerate this kind of behavior,” she said, while also outlining the importance of policy makers’ role to use their power to address these issues.

“The safe spaces act is the first step to combating these problems; whether online, in public places, or in school, everyone has the right to safety and protection,” she added.

Petilla also articulated his thoughts on the Safe Spaces Act, mentioning that it was a watershed moment in the long fight against discrimination and a victory driven by people who refused to be silenced by the forces of unjust and prejudicial treatment.

“The [Safe Spaces Act] pushes safety and respect in our communities, and with it, we must take all precautions to make sure we can make a space as safe as possible,” he said.

Urging communities to fight gender inequality together, Petilla further stated, “In schools in particular, we need to do better in ensuring that all students feel safe and assure that they can freely report these incidents when faced with these predators and harassers.”

“Remember, their fight is our fight, and your fight is our fight,” he ended his speech with a reminder for students to speak up when faced with gender-based discrimination, proclaiming that the Safe Spaces Act is there to support their pursuit of justice.

Headed by Assistant City Prosecutor Atty. Marianne Hazel M. Badillo, the forum—aiming to educate school communities to cultivate proactive measures against gender-based sexual harassment—focused on the contents of the Republic Act 11313 Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law.