CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU), through the Research Center for Culture and Social Issues (RCCSI), gathered 101 student leaders on November 18, 2025 at the SSU Convention Center for the symposium “Safe Spaces, Safe Campus: Promoting Respect and Dignity for All.” The event was organized in partnership with SSU’s Student Welfare and Development Services (SWDS) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region VIII.
The symposium aimed to strengthen the University’s commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and accountable learning environment by deepening students’ understanding of the fundamental principles of human rights and the key provisions of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). With rising cases of gender-based harassment and discrimination in schools nationwide, the symposium emphasized the need for students to be well-informed about their rights, responsibilities, and legal protections.
Topics discussed during the symposium included the Basic Principles and Concepts of Human Rights discussed by Mr. Joseph Roel Obrino, Information Officer II of CHR Region VIII, and a detailed orientation on RA 11313 tackled by Ms. Jonna Marie Ranes, Information Officer III of CHR Region VIII. Both Obrino and Ranes highlighted the role of students in fostering respect, standing against all forms of harassment, and upholding human dignity within the campus.
The event concluded with an open forum, awarding of certificates, and a call for continued collaboration in promoting a culture of safety and human rights within and beyond the campus walls.