Sailing Beyond Stereotypes: Building a Culture of Respect and Inclusion
Upholding its commitment to inclusivity and gender awareness, the Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legazpi City–Albay, Inc. (MPCF-LC) successfully conducted a Gender Sensitivity Seminar on September 23, 2025, at the Audio-Visual Learning Resource Hall (AVLRH). The event was organized in collaboration with the Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office No. V (MRO 5) as part of the MANA-MO 2025 and the 26th National Maritime Week Celebration, themed “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan, Panatag na Karagatan.”
In her welcome message, Ms. Lydia B. Cervantes, the school’s Gender and Development (GAD) and Women in Maritime Association (WIMA) Coordinator, emphasized the importance of cultivating gender sensitivity and equality within the maritime sector and educational institutions. She highlighted the vital role of awareness and respect in promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all.
The seminar delved into crucial discussions on Gender-Based Sexual Harassment (GBSH), including forms of homophobia, misogyny, and transphobia, while also addressing Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment (GBOHS). Participants were reminded to practice respect and mindfulness in both physical and digital spaces, as well as to recognize the legal implications of harassment in any form.
Designed to enhance students’ understanding of gender-related issues, the seminar aimed to foster a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity within the MPCF-Legazpi community. It also reinforced the collective responsibility of upholding a harassment-free environment across educational, public, and online settings.
In her closing message, President Merle Jimenez San Pedro commended the organizers and participants for their active involvement in promoting gender sensitivity. She highlighted the importance of sustained efforts toward inclusivity and equal opportunity within the maritime education sector.