14/08/2026
GROWL Climbs Historic First National CODI Summit
'Mere Paper Compliance of CODI is a Systemic Gap of Safe Spaces.' This was a resonating and repeated sentiments of resource speakers of the first-ever CODI Summit by the Philippine Commission on Women last August 13 at SMX SM Aura in Taguig City.
CODI, or the Committee on Decorum and Investigation, is the body created by law to handle Sexual Harassment Cases and the prevention of it, both in public and private sector.
The country's leading trailblazers in women protection and safe spaces advocates came together to present the current country-wide CODI situation, its inadequacy and deficiencies, and actions moving forward.
'The real test is not whether it (CODI) exists but whether people use it,' was the forefront situationer.
Themed, 'Tindig Babaylan, Pang-Aabuso'y Wakasan!' the event featured notable personalities that include Keynote Speaker Supreme Court Justice Maria Filomena Singh, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, representatives from the Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, International Labor Organization, the MMDA, Private NGOs, and leaders from the Philippine Commission on Women.
Justice Singh in her message reiterated the concern on performative CODIs.
'Tagal na ng CODI pero walang nakakakilala. Where have we gone wrong and where do we move forward?' she challenged.
She further emphasized that CODI has dual function - internal, which is investigatory and preventive, and; external, which is solution driven.
Mayor Belmonte thereafter presented Quezon City's programs and platforms for Safe Spaces, highlighting that even prior the Safe Spaces Act, their City already have an Anti-Bastos Ordinance.
The Summit also had round-table discussions, interactive digital workshops, and a pledge to a CODI Commitment.
The CODI Summit also launched a training guide book for the Gender Sensitivity Seminar (GSS) for perpetrators of Safe Spaces Act.
The historic event, which gathers CODI members and other stakeholders across the country, was participated by the GROWL Project thru its ambassador Atty. Christopher Pobre. The preparatory webinar on CODI was also attended by Youth Ambassadors Nicole Belena, Carmela Bajin, and Ate Atty Josephine Joy Manuel.
The GROWL Project believes that participating in key events such as this is vital for efficient, compassionate, effective, accessible, approachable, and trauma-informed service to the public.
Dahil sa The GROWL Project
May Makikinig 🙏🏻
May CODI training ✅
May Magtatanggol ⚖️
