By Breezy C. Jimenez
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform-Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippine National Police – Ipil Police Station and the Beta Sigma Fraternity conducted a symposium on gender and development on October 15 at the Western Mindanao State University Ipil Campus.
Among the topics discussed were Republic Act No. 8353 or the Rape Law of 1997, Republic Act No. 7877 or Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 9208 Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children.
The students of WMSU actively participated in the open forum and received clarifications on their queries about issues related to the topics.
This joint activity serves as an outreach program to the community of Ipil, especially to the students, for them to be aware of the issues and concerns and be wary should there be circumstances where the above-mentioned laws apply.
Police Chief Inspector Ariel T. Huesca elaborated that everyone should be on their guard because these things are happening and is a reality.
“If you believe that a crime has been committed, as to your personal knowledge, you report it immediately to the police station so that appropriate action shall be undertaken by our police officers,” said Huesca.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Rizzel B. Villanueva also said that sufficient knowledge on the above issues can be utilized as crime deterrence especially by the students since they are vulnerable to the scheming.
The Beta Sigma Fraternity is an international fraternity committed to serve the community where it thrives successfully throughout the years. (BCJ/DAR/PIA9/alt)