Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete - TAGAD

27/09/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬?

𝐁𝐲: 𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂. 𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐞
𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐄𝐝)
𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 (𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲)

How are the Filipino women now a days? Can we say that women have already achieved equality with men? According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025: The Philippines ranked 20th out of 148 countries, with a gender parity score of 78.1%. Filipino women have a labor force participation rate of 42.5% in Central Luzon compared to 71.3% for men. Many women are engaged in unpaid family work, highlighting the need for policies that promote equal economic opportunities. When women are empowered to participate in the workforce, it leads to increased productivity, contributing to the country’s economic growth. Empowering women helps reduce poverty rates, as they contribute to household incomes and make informed decisions about resource allocation. (PIA)

Filipino women’s health and education are crucial areas that require attention and improvement. Only 1% of Filipino women get tested for breast cancer, with the country having one of the lowest cancer screening rates globally. Approximately 59 pregnant women die every month, with poor transportation infrastructure and lack of high-quality facilities contributing to home deliveries and childbirth complications. Cases of teenage pregnancy have continuously increased from 2021 to 2023, with about 390 teenage girls giving birth daily in 2023, mostly resulting from statutory r**e. (UNFPA) With an improved health and education, women’s rights will lead to better health and education outcomes for families, particularly children, as women are often primary caregivers.

Filipino women face various stereotypes that impact their lives and opportunities. Traditional beliefs and cultural practices relegate women to secondary roles, hindering their progress and potential. The Philippines’ machismo culture reinforces strict gender roles, perpetuating male dominance and limiting space for gender equality. This culture has normalized discriminatory attitudes and emboldened sexism. Moreover, Filipino women experience high levels of violence and harassment, with 18% of women who had a husband or intimate partner reporting physical, sexual, economic & emotional violence. The functionality of the local Barangay VAW: Violence Against Women’s Desk especially on the issuance of the BPO: Barangay Protection Order; plays a significant role in safeguarding women’s right to safety. With proper coordination to the mandated authorities like the WCPD and DSWD; women and children’s rights will not be jeopardized. Advancing women’s rights challenges traditional stereotypes and promotes a more equitable society, fostering social cohesion and a sense of community. Strengthening laws and policies protecting women’s rights also benefits other vulnerable groups, such as children and marginalized sectors. Women’s participation in politics and leadership roles brings diverse perspectives, leading to more inclusive and representative decision-making.

Overall, while progress has been made, addressing the remaining disparities in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment will be crucial to achieving greater gender equality in the Philippines. By promoting women’s rights with corresponding responsibilities, the Philippines can unlock the full potential of its citizens, leading to a more prosperous, equitable, and just society for all. Of course, this dream will not happen right away, it needs consistent monitoring and sustainable efforts both by our government authorities, civil society organizations and partner agencies with a unified advocacy for promoting peace, non-violence and gender equality. Before we end, try to ask yourself: Are my actions and best practices promote or demote women’s rights? How can I benefit from it?

23/09/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋

Congratulations to Kyle Russel Waminal, a TAGAD member and GWAVE AGENTS trainee, for passing the September 2026 Psychometrician Licensure Examination.

Your achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication. TAGAD proudly celebrate this milestone with you. Congratulations, Kyle.

05/09/2026

Young Filipino men have a role to play in shaping a culture where everyone can feel safe and respected.

Fellow TAGAD member and former Internal Vice President Sean Equio challenges us to rethink masculinity. Not as dominance or silence, but as empathy, accountability, and the courage to call out harmful behavior. His message reminds us that being an ally means more than simply choosing not to cause harm; it means taking action when others are being harassed, mocked, or disrespected.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬
𝐁𝐲: 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐨
𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃 (𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐞) 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Every day in the Philippines, women and LGBTQ+ individuals walk the streets burdened by fear. The fear of catcalling, unwanted stares, or worse even sexual assault. This isn’t just a normal part of life; it’s harassment, and it's deeply rooted culture where many young Filipino men have been taught to stay silent or, laugh along. The truth is, we have a problem and if you’re a man, you’re a part of it whether you like it or not.

We have been raised to equate masculinity with dominance, loudness, and control. But we need to ask ourselves: what kind of man lets others feel unsafe just for existing in public? When we turn a blind eye to harassment or "Pambabastos," when we ignore a trans woman or a gay person being mocked at school, or even laugh when a friend makes a sexist joke. We’re not neutral but we as men here in the Philippines are complicit. It’s not enough to say “I don’t harass anyone.” The bar is too low if we think merely avoiding harm is admirable. Being a decent person isn’t a badge of honor but the baseline and standard of what we as men in society should be normalized as.

The real question is what are you doing to stop others from harming women and people in the LGBTQ+? We need to challenge our friends, especially when the group normalizes toxic and harmful behavior towards minorities. Call out when someone objectifies a woman. Interrupt when a friend mocks someone’s gender identity. You don’t need to start a fight to make a difference. A firm, simple line like, that is wrong or, “Sayop na” is often enough. If it feels unsafe to intervene directly in a harassment situation, you can still create a distraction, and seek help, or even check in with the person afterward. These small, yet moving practical steps are how we begin reclaiming our public spaces on the unsafe streets.

We need to redefine what it means to be a man because real strength doesn’t lie in overpowering others or asserting control, it lies in empathy, accountability, and standing up for those targeted, abused, or harassed. Too often, masculinity is treated like a performance for other men, where disrespect gets applause and silence is the easy route. But respect isn’t just about how you treat women you like or how you behave around your mom, it’s how you treat every person, regardless of gender identity, even when no one’s watching.

Imagine a street where women no longer grip their purses out of fear, and where LGBTQ+ youth walk without shrinking themselves. That future begins when we choose to become allies, not bystanders. A message to every young Filipino man, this is our moment to listen, unlearn, and act. Women and LGBTQ+ Filipinos have been speaking up for years, and it’s time we listen and back them up. Don’t wait for someone else to be the “good guy.” Be part of the movement the one who shifts the culture. Call out “Bastos” behavior, support safe spaces, and commit yourselves to unconditional respect, not just through words but also through actions. The streets won’t change overnight, but they will start to shift if we do. Let’s be the generation that breaks the cycle of silence, the generation that redefines what masculinity means, and a place where we confidently help our fellow Filipino citizens.

30/08/2026

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐕𝐅𝐂 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟓
A quick look back at the final day of the TAGAD MVFC and Batch 5 Orientation, filled with teamwork, learning, and meaningful moments.

28/08/2026

𝐌𝐕𝐅𝐂 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟓 | 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘

The MVFC Batch 5 Orientation concluded with a team-building activity where participants engaged in different group games designed to strengthen their teamwork, communication, and understanding of the values discussed throughout the orientation.

The activity was followed by the awarding of certificates, formally recognizing the participants as new members of TAGAD Batch 5 and marking their official start as part of the organization.

28/08/2026

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐 | 𝐌𝐕𝐅𝐂 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟓

On August 22, 2026, TAGAD Batch 5 continued the MVFC Seminar and Batch 5 Orientation, facilitated by TAGAD Adviser Mr. Reymer John Ferrer.

The session covered Gender-Based Violence Laws and Reproductive Health, with participants taking part in various activities, including role-playing, debates, and group discussions.

Through active participation and open discussions, Day 2 gave Batch 5 a space to learn, exchange ideas, and engage with important issues related to gender, health, and violence prevention.

27/08/2026

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏 𝐌𝐕𝐅𝐂 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟓

The Men for Violence-Free Seminar and TAGAD Batch 5 Orientation officially on August 21, 2026 with a welcome from Mr. Urseevi Tubio Jr., MVFC Coordinator.

Day 1 featured discussions on Gender Sensitivity and Positive Masculinity, facilitated by Mr. Nathaniel Equio, former TAGAD President, focusing on understanding gender, challenging harmful stereotypes, and promoting healthier and more respectful ways of expressing masculinity.

The first day concluded with participants gaining a deeper understanding of gender and masculinity, setting the foundation for the succeeding sessions of the Men for Violence-Free Seminar and TAGAD Batch 5 Orientation.

19/08/2026

𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗗 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗼 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘆

DUMAGUETE CITY — Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete (TAGAD) supported the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan by serving as one of the organizing committees for Larong Pinoy, held during the celebration's culmination on Sunday at Rizal Boulevard.

The activity was led by the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) of Dumaguete City, in cooperation with various youth organizations across the city. As part of the organizing committee, TAGAD contributed to the preparation and conduct of the activity alongside fellow youth organizations.

The activity brought together young people from different youth organizations in Dumaguete City, creating an avenue for participation and connection while celebrating Filipino games in a more dynamic format.

TAGAD's involvement reflects its continued support for youth-centered initiatives in the city. Through its participation in Linggo ng Kabataan, the organization joins fellow youth groups in creating opportunities for young people to take part, collaborate, and contribute to their community.

18/08/2026

𝐈𝐤𝐚-𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃

Since 2018, TAGAD has stood against gender-based violence and raising young men who understand that true strength means accountability, respect, and action.

The Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete (TAGAD), in partnership with the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), officially launches the
𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗠𝗩𝗙𝗖) 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟱 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
on August 21–22, 2026, at the Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol, Dumaguete City.

Incoming Batch 5 recruits will take part in sessions on 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙨, equipping them with the knowledge and courage to become advocates for safer, more equal communities.

This is more than a seminar. It is a call to step up, speak out, and take responsibility.

𝑨𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒈𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒃𝒂𝒈-𝒐 𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒈-𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑫.

17/08/2026

𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗴-𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗗!

Stay tuned as we gear up for a new wave of voices, purpose, and action.