Photo Courtesy: Kim Yoshi Espiritu.
“As long as one woman is unsafe, all of us are at risk. We must challenge the culture that allows violence to happen in silence.”
— Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement
Nearly one in three women across the globe has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime—most often at the hands of an intimate partner—according to the UN Women Data Hub and the World Health Organization. In the Philippines, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, reveals that 17.5% of women aged 15 to 49 have endured some form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from their intimate partners.
These statistics are not just numbers; they are lived experiences that continue to demand urgent action. Though the struggle for women's rights has been fought for generations—with legislation, policy reform, and grassroots advocacy leading to tangible progress—the battle is far from over.
At Colegio de San Juan de Letran–Manila, the Letran Psychology Society (LPS) is making sure that the fight continues within their walls and beyond. Through their week-long initiative titled Shielding TogetHER: Withstanding Violence and Fostering Safe Spaces for Women, held from April 23 to 30, the organization underscored the importance of safety, education, and collective responsibility. The campaign culminated in an onsite seminar on April 26, uniting voices and efforts to advocate for meaningful change.
“‘Yung inspirasyon sa likod ng Shielding TogetHER ay nagmula sa matinding pangangailangan na bigyang-lakas ang mga kababaihan—hindi lang sa kaalaman kundi pati na rin sa kakayahang ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga sarili sa panahon ngayon. Sa Pilipinas, malala at laganap pa rin ang karahasang nararanasan ng mga kababaihan, kaya bilang mga Psychology students, gusto naming kumilos,” said Ms. Lucky Fernando, one of the project heads of the event.
With the goal of empowering women through a combination of psychological education and self-defense, the Letran Psychology Society (LPS) made it a priority to ensure that the events were accessible to as many people as possible, both onsite and online. This dual approach allowed the LPS to reach a broader audience, extending the conversation beyond the campus and into the community. By utilizing both physical and virtual platforms, they were able to maximize participation and ensure that the message of women’s empowerment reached individuals in different environments, regardless of their location or ability to attend in person.
“This project is not just an event but it is more rooted in the movement for women empowerment… Also, I believe that these series of projects aim to convey that these experiences and social issues reflect reality. And para sa mga makakakita at makakasama sa movement na ito, not just for women but especially to all genders, I hope that this movement will encourage them to be more respectful and to use their eyes and voices in realizing na may impact talaga ang actions nila sa iba, both positive and negative man 'yan,” shared Ms. Cassandra Jane Janas, another project head.
The events not only focused on raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of violence against women but also emphasized the critical role that education plays in prevention. With expert-led workshops and seminars on psychological insights, participants gained a deeper understanding of the emotional and mental toll that abuse can have. Additionally, self-defense training provided tangible skills that equipped women with the confidence and tools needed to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Ms. Jose Rainier G. Penales, RPM, MAED, one of the invited speakers of the seminar, emphasized the importance of identifying stress and understanding the various coping styles individuals can adopt. She discussed how stress, both psychological and emotional, is a natural part of life, but learning to manage it effectively is key to maintaining overall well-being. Through her talk, Ms. Penales provided valuable insights into how different coping mechanisms—whether emotional, cognitive, or behavioral—can be harnessed to navigate stressful situations. By highlighting practical techniques and strategies, she encouraged participants to recognize their own stress triggers and adopt healthier coping approaches, ultimately empowering them to lead more balanced and resilient lives.
“For all gender, kailangan ma-identify ‘yung stressors kasi ‘yung stress natin sa buhay constant ‘yan at hindi nawawala. Ang stress para s’yang panghasa, o pangtasa, tayo ‘yung lapis na hinahasa ng stress. Kasama talaga s’ya sa buhay, ang akin lang, kailangan natin siya i-manage,” she noted.
In contrast, yet complementing the psychological insights, an engaging demonstration of self-defense techniques was delivered by another speaker of the seminar, Mr. Antonio P. Docot, LPT, RCRIM, MSCRIM. He began by teaching the proper way to close a fist for a punch, followed by a series of basic self-defense moves that were both informative and practical. With a serious tone that underscored the gravity of the topic, Mr. Docot balanced his approach with humor, ensuring that the audience remained engaged while absorbing crucial information. He emphasized that knowing self-defense is not just about physical ability but about being prepared for real-life situations, where the actual "fight" often occurs outside of controlled environments.
Throughout his demonstration, Mr. Docot repeatedly reminded the participants of the limitations of self-defense, stressing that it should only be used in situations where it is absolutely necessary. He encouraged the audience to consider other options first, such as running or avoiding potentially dangerous situations. His message was clear: self-defense should be a last resort, and the priority should always be to avoid harm when possible. By combining practical skills with a thoughtful approach, Mr. Docot effectively conveyed the importance of both physical and mental preparedness when it comes to personal safety.
“Hindi mo masasabi kung kailan mo kakailanganin ang talent o self defense. It’s better to be prepared,” he noted.
This initiative went beyond merely educating participants; it sparked essential conversations about how communities can collectively contribute to creating safer spaces for women. By encouraging dialogue and reflection, the LPS empowered individuals to recognize their own role in fostering environments of respect and accountability. The event highlighted that the fight against violence is not just the responsibility of women but of every member of society. It pushed for the understanding that when we work together to protect and uplift women, we are also strengthening the foundation of a more just and compassionate society for all.
“I believe that the simplest words of assurance and actions are the ones that truly hold power in fostering safe spaces for women, both on campus and beyond. This is because I have noticed that feelings of unsafety, fear, and lack of inner peace, all lie within… Our words truly matter, so let us use the power of voice for our words to reach thousands of women in need of love, protection, and care that they deserve,” shared Helaena Criah Lobren, a second-year BS Psychology student who attended the seminar.
“For me, the most important takeaway from the event is that everyone should learn self-defense, especially women. We can never be 100% safe, not even in our own homes where we think we are secure. Even having self-defense weapons is not enough, as these weapons can be used against us. Therefore, it is important to learn self-defense so we can effectively protect ourselves from any danger,” shared John Gabriel C. Casangkapan, a second-year BS Psychology student who also attended the seminar.
Shielding TogetHER was not merely a program; it was a powerful reminder that advocacy is not a one-time effort but a continuous, lived commitment. It must go beyond banners, seminars, and hashtags—it must take root in our daily conversations, decisions, and the way we treat one another. The initiative emphasized that meaningful change starts with awareness, is deepened by education, and becomes real through collective action. By equipping participants with both knowledge and practical skills, the Letran Psychology Society didn’t just organize an event—they built a platform for empowerment, empathy, and courage.