FULFILLING THE RESPONSIBILITY of promoting a “safe and mentally healthy community,” the Office of the Vice President for Academics (VPA), in partnership with the Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO), sparked a discussion on the nuances of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act at the Pamanang Bedista last April 23. 

Attended by members of the Bedan Scholars’ Guild (BSG) and students from the College of Law (COL), the seminar underscored the importance of R.A. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos Law,” in the wake of fostering respect and establishing a safe place against harassment and gender-based abuses. 

In his opening remarks, Atty. Marciano G. Delson, the Dean of the COL shed light on the importance of maintaining a safe environment from within the halls of the University, saying “We hope that we can have a San Beda University campus and environment that is truly sensitive and responsive to the evils of gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment,” he added. 

Then, what followed was a talk spearheaded by the event’s keynote speaker, Atty. Olivia C. Mauricio, who is a COL graduate in 2018 and a member of the Sandiganbayan Committee on Gender Responsiveness.  

“This is an important piece of legislation for women and students alike,” Atty. Mauricio stressed out, setting the tone for a detailed discussion on the workings of the Bawal Bastos Law, particularly in the salient features of this law in addressing cases of Gender-based Sexual Harassment (GSBH). 

Beyond the definition of terms, the punishment for committing these acts, and the repercussions of GSBH in educational institutions, Atty. Mauricio also distinguished this new charter with previous legislation, particularly the Anti Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.  

In an interview, Ma. Lorena Galang, Guidance Counselor and activity co-chairperson, emphasized how this program was a “joint effort between the office of the VPA and GCO catered towards the academic scholars of SBU.” 

“’Yung topic natin is about Bawal Bastos Law for raising awareness to our students talaga,” she reiterated. 

The program ended with a few remarks from Dr. Divina Edralin, the Vice President for Academics, underscoring the need for further implementation of provisions similar to the Safe Spaces Act. Moreover, she would later explain how this “groundbreaking legislation” would later contribute to rectifying the stigma and misconceptions on GSBH, while being used to reinforce support for victims, regardless of gender.