01/09/2026
๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
ZAMBOANGA CITY โ Young people in Barangay Culianan gathered for a meaningful learning session on S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) as part of the barangayโs Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week) Celebration on August 28, 2026, at the Barangay Culianan Covered Court.
The activity brought together students and young community members for an engaging discussion aimed at deepening their understanding of gender diversity, promoting respect for individual differences, and strengthening awareness of human rights and inclusion.
Initiated through the leadership of Hon. Allan Jacob A. Del Rosario, SK Chairperson of Barangay Culianan, the session formed part of the barangayโs efforts to provide young people with meaningful opportunities for learning and dialogue on relevant social issues affecting their generation and communities.
Serving as resource speaker, Ms. Hershey Pablo facilitated an in-depth and relatable discussion on the fundamental concepts surrounding SOGIESC. She unpacked commonly misunderstood terms and emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting the dignity and individuality of every person, regardless of s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or s*x characteristics.
The discussion likewise situated SOGIESC awareness within the broader context of human rights and inclusive development, highlighting the shared responsibility of individuals and communities in creating safe spaces where diversity is respected and discrimination, prejudice, and harmful stereotypes are challenged.
More than a conventional lecture, the session encouraged active participation among the attendees. Students and young participants raised thoughtful questions, shared reflections, and engaged in open exchanges of ideas, allowing them to clarify misconceptions and develop a deeper and more informed understanding of gender diversity and inclusion.
The active participation of the youth underscored the importance of creating safe and meaningful spaces where young people can freely express their perspectives and engage in conversations that promote critical thinking, empathy, and social responsibility.
Participants were likewise encouraged to recognize how stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes can affect individuals and communities and how everyday actionsโsuch as practicing respect, using inclusive language, and speaking against discriminationโcan contribute to safer and more welcoming environments for everyone.
The activity also highlighted the crucial role of young people as partners in advancing gender equality and inclusive development. By equipping them with knowledge and providing opportunities for meaningful dialogue, initiatives such as this help nurture a generation of young leaders and advocates who recognize diversity as a strength and actively contribute to building more inclusive communities.
As Barangay Culianan celebrated the energy, creativity, and potential of its youth during Linggo ng Kabataan, the SOGIESC awareness session served as a timely reminder that youth empowerment goes beyond participation in activities. It also involves providing young people with the knowledge, confidence, and platforms necessary to engage meaningfully with issues that affect their communities and society.
Through sustained education, open dialogue, and collective action, the youth of Barangay Culianan are encouraged to become active champions of equality, respect, and human rightsโcontributing to the development of a more inclusive, compassionate, and progressive community for all.
Junto-junto kita dale buen servicio para na igualdad de todo los gรฉnero โ para na mas progresivo y inclusivo Ciudad de Zamboanga. โต๏ธ
