Empowering Students Through SSC’s Ladderized Gender Sensitivity Training

Bullying, violence, crime, harassment, and abuse – these are the things we often  hear about  in our every day news headline nationwide and even world-wide. What’s most shocking is that young people are often involved.  Recognizing the seriousness of these problems, particularly within schools and colleges, Siquijor State College is taking immediate action to address and prevent them.

SSC under the leadership of the visionary SUC President II, Dr. Steven J. Sumaylo, is taking  shape through a firm commitment to Gender and Development (GAD), by conducting a Ladderized Program on Gender Sensitivity Trainings (GSTs) to male and female students of SSC. The training was held on September 10-11, 2025 (Cycle 1) and November 26-27, 2025 (Cycle 2) at SSC Student Center.

Under Cycle 1, a two-day training program was held with important sessions to help students learn and feel empowered. On the morning of September 10, 2025, students from Grade 7, Grade 11, and First Year College attended a session about Basic Gender and Development (GAD) Concepts and the Anti-Bullying Act. Later that afternoon, students from Grade 8, Grade 12, and Second Year College participated in training on the Magna Carta of Women.

The next day, September 11, in the morning, students from Grade 9, Grade 11, and Third Year College took part in training about stopping Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and HIV/AIDS. In the afternoon of the same day, a session on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law was held for students from Grade 10, Grade 12, and Fourth Year College.

The whole duration of the training becomes more meaningful and knowledgeable through the tireless effort of responsible SSC’s GAD Focal Team  who empower the program with their engaging knowledge and experiences. These include Dr. Jesusito S. Alviola, GAD Focal Person; Ms. Lee Lanie P. Manos, PDO III/GAD Focal Person; Atty. Mary Stephanne A. Lofranco, Legal Officer (Attorney IV);  Atty. Michael Vencynth H. Braga, Board Secretary V; and Ms. Lauderdale Mumar, Guidance Counselor.

The enthusiastic and well-structured ladderized training from Cycle 1 is expected to continue in the upcoming Cycle 2 training on November 26-27, 2025. On the morning of November 26, students from Grade 7, Grade 11, and First Year College will attend a session on the Safe Spaces Act and SOGIE. In the afternoon, students from Grade 8, Grade 12, and Second Year College will participate in training on the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

On November 27, the morning session will cover the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Law, with participants from Grade 9, Grade 11, and Third Year College. In the afternoon, students from Grade 10, Grade 12, and Fourth Year College will join the training on the Anti-Rape Law, Rape Victim Assistance, and Protection Act.

Through these ladderized programs, SSC is creating an institution where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered. It’s inspiring to imagine that the SSC community, regardless of gender, can  thrive academically, professionally, and personally in harmony and equality.