GC Rise for Freedom in Global Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence
Gordon College joined the global movement “One Billion Rising: Rise for Freedom” on February 14, 2025 at the Olongapo City Tapinac Oval Sports Complex as the students, faculty, and alumni united in dance and solidarity to raise awareness about violence against women and girls.
One Billion Rising is the most extensive mass action to end violence against women in human history which began in 2012 worldwide.
This advocacy campaign was further adapted by the Philippines on February 10, 2025.
Additionally, the campaign was based on the statistics from the United Nations that one in three women globally will experience violence in their lifetime, and with a world population of 7 billion, this translates to over one billion women and girls.
The event, organized by the Institutional Planning, Development, and External Affairs (IPDEA) through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit, in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the Gordon College Alumni Association, Inc., saw enthusiastic participation from the entire college community.
Dr. Imelda OP. Soriano, OIC-College President, emphasized the institution’s commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls. “As a woman, we need to rise and rise for what is right for us,” the newly-pledged college president stated.
“In this activity, we will dance, we will rise because we want to demand justice. Together, we will break this silence through dancing because this is not just an act of resistance, but it is our expression of our unyielding spirit, our joy, and our collective power to fight injustices against women.”
Furthermore, the event featured a mass dance to the One Billion Rising anthem, “Break the Chain.”
Harvey Bolfango, a first-year BSED English student, highlighted the importance of student involvement. “It is important to every student of Gordon College to be part of this event because it embodies a lot of respect, dignity, transparency, and more awareness of certain causes like violence against women and other girls.”
Additionally, John Andrei Facultad, a first-year BSED English student, emphasized the importance of speaking up against violence. “Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have ever been attacked. Kahit pa sabihin natin na verbal ‘yan or hindi gano’n kalala. But violence is still violence, and it should be addressed.”
Sir Joseph Atencio, OIC Head of the DEI Unit, explained the partnership between NSTP, the GC Alumni, and the DEI Unit.
“Gusto natin ipakita na si Gordon College is for the protection of women’s rights, and especially ‘yung mga children, mga batang babae. Kasi ang usaping women empowerment (and) women’s rights is not only for women alone. Bagkus buong society, buong sector is tumutulong, and nag-participate sa pagtaguyod and pagpapaunladng karapatan ng kababaihan,” he stated.
He also affirmed Gordon College’s ongoing commitment to diversity through the DEI unit and its pursuit of inclusive education.
As the event concluded, Dr. Darwin Paguio, Vice President of Academic Affairs, echoed the call to action, stating, “Rising is not an option. It is our duty. Let us rise for ourselves, for each other, and for generations to come. Rise up, stand firm, and let our collective courage illuminate the path for a brighter tomorrow. The time is now. Let us rise, Gordon College.”
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: Princess Alliyah Danday | News Correspondent
: Jasmine Shameer | Photojournalist
