• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Safe Spaces Advocacy, which is aimed at ensuring the equality, security, and safety of every individual, in both private and public spaces, including online and in workplaces, has overwhelming support from local officials, led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Lacson led the signing of the Safe Space Pledge in a ceremony held on Friday at the Ayala Malls Activity Center in Bacolod City.
He also commended Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chairperson of the SP Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, and the entire Sangguniang Panlalawigan for making Negros Occidental as among the first provinces to localize the Safe Spaces Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
“Our Safe Space Day signifies our commitment to creating environments free from violence and discrimination where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive,” Lacson said.
In April 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11313 (known as the Safe Spaces Act), a law that covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, as well as online.
The activity was also attended by Pulupandan Mayor Miguel Antonio Peña, who chairs the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Negros Occidental chapter, Cauayan Vice Mayor Analisa Tabujara-Soriano, president of the Local Lady Legislators’ League-Negros Occidental, as well representatives of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, chairman of the Regional Development Council 6, and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives.*
