GAD PRMSU Botolan Campus

Community Joins Hands to Mark World Day Against Human Trafficking at Lupang Pangako Integrated School

Lupang Pangako Integrated School came alive last August 18, 2025, as the community gathered to commemorate the World Day Against Human Trafficking under the flagship program “Gender Fair Education Towards a VAWC-Free Community” spearheaded by the PRMSU Botolan Campus GAD Office.

The activity opened with the welcome remarks of Madam Julie Anne Villanueva, Head Teacher I, followed by an inspirational message from Punong Barangay Arbel Sison. Words of encouragement were also shared by Dr. Alex Villar, CTE Chairperson; Dr. Emelyn Bugayong, University GAD Director; and Aldwin Balintay, IPMR of Lupang Pangako, highlighting the shared responsibility of protecting children, women, and vulnerable groups.

Community support was strongly felt with the participation of the San Agustin Barangay Council, 4Ps beneficiaries, parents, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Civil Society Organizations, Pastor Artemio Castillo, teachers, students, the Tribal Council, and the PNP. Informative discussions were led by PSMS Gene Rose F. Aguillon, who tackled Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Minors (CSAEM), and Mr. Angelo C. Fermil, who shared valuable insights on Trafficking in Persons. An engaging open forum followed, facilitated by Lyn F. Luzano, GAD Coordinator of PRMSU Botolan Campus, with active participation from the BCPC, VAW Desk Officer, Kagawad Ramon Arraro, and Kagawad Eric Diloy. The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Marivic Ommalin, GAD Coordinator of Lupang Pangako Integrated School.

Appreciation is also extended to the Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT) for their unwavering advocacy and for providing IEC materials that enriched the program’s learning resources.

The success of the event was made possible through the full support of PRMSU President Dr. Roy N. Villalobos, a proactive advocate of women’s rights, together with Dr. Marlon James Dedicatoria, Vice President for Research and Development.
Behind the scenes, the Technical Working Group—Yukiyan Butlig, Carla Joan Schuck, Maricris Abangan, Jayson Fernandez OSA Coordinator,Edwin Elane, Dr. Jocelyn Angeles (Dean of CAF), Mr. Marven Lanuza (BSF Chairperson), Ms. Jessica Ruth Diesta (BSA Chairperson), Shela Gilvizon, and Maria Thea Rubac, GAD staff—ensured the smooth flow of the program.

The activity proved that when schools, barangays, and institutions work together, awareness is raised, and stronger steps are taken toward building a VAWC-free and human-trafficking-free community.

March 26,2025 - Maguisguis , Botolan Zambales

The successful Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between Barangay Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales, President Ramon Magsaysay State University – Botolan Campus, and Maguisguis Integrated School stands as a milestone in strengthening partnerships for gender equality, child protection, and community development. This significant event, held in line with the celebration of Women’s Month with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasized the importance of uniting various sectors to safeguard the welfare of women and children.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Rene B. Regaspi, Campus Director of PRMSU Botolan Campus, for his steadfast leadership and commitment to advancing the Gender and Development (GAD) agenda. Our gratitude also goes to Mr. Arra Q. Abaniel, former University GAD Director, for gracing the celebration with his presence and inspiring the participants with his words, and to Dr. Roy Villabos, whose unwavering support for all GAD initiatives continues to fuel the success of programs that promote empowerment and protection.

We also acknowledge Punong Barangay Roseller Tabunday for his active role in fostering community engagement, and Edilberta Romualdo, Principal of Maguisguis Integrated School, for her dedication to educational initiatives that complement GAD objectives. Appreciation is likewise extended to Dr. Johnson Cabangon, Principal of Loob Bunga II Elementary School, and his faculty members, as well as Dr. Vilma R. Cariño, Principal of Loob Bunga High School, for their continued support in cultivating safe and inclusive learning environments.

Our commendation goes to Angelo Fermil, CAF GAD Coordinator of PRMSU Botolan Campus, for presenting the event rationale, for his comprehensive discussion on Pagsusuri ng Trafficking in Persons (TIP) base sa Gender Perspective. ;Sir Rex Misa for his insightful discussion on GST,which deepend understanding of respect ,inclusivity and equality in all sectors .We also recognize Sergz P. Cabaltica for his informative discussion on Republic Act No. 7610 and Republic Act No. 9231, and the Botolan Police Station, represented by PSSG Jerica D. Dela Cruz under Chief of Community Affairs Division , for providing valuable insights on the Anti-VAWC Law .

This MOA signing reaffirms our shared responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of women and children. Through the strong collaboration of the university, local government, and educational institutions—supported by law enforcement and community leaders—we are taking decisive steps toward a Bagong Pilipinas where empowerment, protection, and equality are not only aspirations but realities for all.

GENDER FAIR EDUCATION TOWARDS A VAW C Free Community