Written by: May Anne B. Pelenio & Beatriz Faye G. Carreon | Photos by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon & Willy Karl Rabanal

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX, through its Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) IX under the Public Education and Citizenship Building Facility, in partnership with Andres Bonifacio College, successfully held the 2nd season of Layag sa Tulunghaan on December 03, 2024.

Themed “Space to Speak, Safe to Seek: A Discussion on Sexual Harassment,” the event gathered 160 enthusiastic students from Andres Bonifacio College for an engaging and enlightening discussion on a crucial social issue. The activity aimed to empower students with knowledge and tools to address sexual harassment, promoting a culture of safety and mutual respect within their community.

City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Sherrie Charlotta Machutes, from the DILG Dipolog City Field Office, served as the keynote speaker. In her comprehensive presentation, CLGOO Machutes outlined the various forms of sexual harassment, its impacts on individuals and communities, and the laws in place to protect victims. CLGOO Machutes also shared her personal experiences as an advocate for anti-sexual harassment initiatives, providing real-life examples of programs and campaigns that have successfully raised awareness and encouraged community action.

The interactive discussion fostered active participation among students, who eagerly shared their insights and posed questions, reflecting their commitment to being proactive change agents in addressing sexual harassment. Participants expressed their appreciation for the platform provided by Layag sa Tulunghaan, which allowed them to explore sensitive yet critical topics in a supportive environment.

DILG IX’s Layag sa Tulunghaan program continues to exemplify its commitment to engaging the youth in meaningful conversations about social issues and nurturing their potential as leaders of change. The success of this event underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in fostering a safer and more inclusive society.

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with knowledge and inspired to champion a culture of safety and respect within their communities.