Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation - GWAVE

01/10/2025

More than Just S*x: The Imperative of Comprehensive S*x Education in the Philippines
By Ricky Louie de la Cruz

In the Philippines, the words "s*x education" can already make the skin of most adults crawl with discomfort, fidgeting with their rosaries. For years, s*x has been a topic of whispered conversations, sacred silence, or tactfully hidden under the table, left at the hands of Google, rumor, and speculation. But if we're going to save our children (not only their bodies but their dignity, autonomy, and future) then we need to speak about s*x. Not simply s*x, but all that comes with it: consent, healthy relationships, boundaries, safe touch, and preventing s*xual violence.

Because the reality is this: s*x education isn't about getting children to have s*x. It's about getting them ready to make informed, respectful, and safe decisions when the moment inevitably arises.

The Current State of S*x Ed: A Lesson in What's Missing

As mandated under the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law), s*x education is technically required in schools. But "technical" doesn't necessarily mean "effective." Implementation is spotty, uneven, and usually relegated to dry lectures about reproductive organs and
menstruation. S*x education in many classrooms is whittled down to biology class—if it's included at all.

Students hardly ever learn about consent. Or saying no. Or what to do if you're made uncomfortable. There's not much said about LGBTQ+ identities, mental illness, or abusive relationships. We learn about anatomy but not empathy. We learn about pregnancy but remain silent on coercion. It's teaching someone how to drive by demonstrating a car engine, but not once offering them a steering wheel.

Why More than Biology Matters

Let's face it: a lot of Filipino teenagers are getting their s*x education from p**n, peers, X (formerly known as Twitter) or pulpy Wattpad novels. And when those become their educators, we shouldn't be surprised if they end up as grown-ups with distorted notions of what love, intimacy, and consent are all about.
Comprehensive s*x education provides the remedy. It's not only about preventing teen pregnancy (although that matters too); it's about learning how to enter into relationships with respect and confidence.

Consent: All Filipino children should learn that growing up, 'no' means 'no', and that silence is not a yes. They should understand that boundaries are not to be negotiated and that obtaining enthusiastic, informed consent is not optional—it is obligatory.

Healthy Relationships: We should show children what a healthy friendship, crush, or romantic relationship looks like from a very young age. They must know the difference between love and control, affection and manipulation, intimacy and entitlement.

Respecting Boundaries and Safe Touch: They should be encouraged to say "no" when someone touches them inappropriately, even if that person is a family member, teacher, or authority figure. And equally important: they should be taught to respect other people's boundaries.

Preventing S*xual Violence: In the Philippines, 1 in 5 children aged 13-17 years said they have experienced s*xual violence, as per the 2015 National Baseline Study on Violence against Children. That's not merely a number. That's a national crisis. And it will not be fixed by keeping silent.

"But they’re Too Young!" — A Myth worth Busting

Critics of s*x education mistakenly say that educating children about s*x will get them to do it. That's similar to claiming that teaching fire prevention will make children play with matches.

Research everywhere in the world repeatedly finds that full-s*x education postpones s*xual activity, decreases risk-taking, and enhances relationship communication. It puts power in the
hands of young people, rather than corrupting them.

S*x education can be introduced as early as preschool: not through the display of explicit pictures, but by informing children about the proper names of their body parts, what touches are acceptable, and whom to seek assistance from. These are lifesaving, particularly in a nation where most incidents of child abuse occur in silence, buried under shame and fear.

Culture, Religion, and the Balancing Act

We cannot deny that the Philippines is a very religious nation. But religion and education do not necessarily have to be adversaries. On the contrary, many religious doctrines teach respect for oneself and others, the dignity of the human body, and the role of love built on concern for one another—all good values that correspond to integral s*x education.

Comprehensive s*x ed doesn't dictate what students should think—it equips them with tools to make value-consistent decisions. It's an informed choice, not an act of rebellion against morals.

What Needs to Be Done

Policy Implementation with Teeth – The RH Law should not be a checkbox on a government report. It requires funding, teacher training, and ongoing monitoring to ensure effective classroom implementation.

Teacher Training – Educators need to be equipped not only with information but also with sensitivity. Discussing s*x in the classroom demands empathy, confidence, and a thorough knowledge of the psychological, cultural, and social aspects of the subject.

Parental Involvement – Parents must be partners, not obstacles. Parents must be invited to workshops and consultations by schools to establish trust and common ground.

Inclusive Curriculum – S*x ed has to talk to all of the kids, including LGBTQ+ youth, who are frequently excluded from the conversation altogether.

Conclusion: It's About More than S*x

Ultimately, this isn't about s*x. It's about respect. It's about dignity. It's about the right of all Filipino children to grow up educated, protected, and empowered.

Because silence isn't safety, and ignorance isn't innocence. It's time we get beyond the whispers and the shame. It's time we provide our youth with the education they deserve.

It's time we speak—not just about s*x—but about all that comes with it.

Knowledge is not the enemy of morality. Ignorance is.

*xed *xeducation

30/09/2025

24/09/2025

September 23, 2025 | We were honored to have the Chief Legal Counsel of Legal Alternatives for Women Center Inc. (LAW Center Inc.) from Cebu in the person of, Atty. Ann Caballes, who shared her knowledge and organization's best practices in relation to the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Law" or Anti-VAWC Law.

The activity was participated in by the Legal Team of GWAVE and officers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) - Negros Oriental Chapter.

As GWAVE continues to capacitate it's core program, we are committed to building partnerships in making waves to end gender-based violence.

20/09/2025

| The Supreme Court (SC) has imposed a P101,000 fine against an RTC judge for uttering “inappropriate” remarks in open court about the domestic violence case that a fellow magistrate filed against her former partner, which perpetuate harmful stereotypes that portray women as inferior or weak.

In a 17-page ruling written by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting, the SC's Third Division found Presiding Judge Arlene Lirag-Palabrica of Tagum City Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 31 guilty of simple misconduct filed by her fellow Judge Carmel Gil Grado.

Judge Grado is the private complainant in a case involving two counts of violation of Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, against her husband.

At the time the complaints were filed, Judge Grado was still a lawyer at the Public Attorney's Office (PAO). The cases were initially archived as the accused evaded arrest.

In November 2020, the cases were then reinstated after the accused was arrested. By this time, Judge Grado was already an RTC judge. Following the retirement of the judge who was designated to handle the case, the respondent, Judge Palabrica, took over the case.

During the hearing, Judge Palabrica, in open court and in the presence of court employees, a lawyer from the PAO, and the handling prosecutor, uttered demeaning and degrading remarks against Judge Grado, telling the latter, “Babae lang talaga tayo na niloloko ng mga lalaki. Yan ang masakit na katotohanan kahit pa sabihin women empowerment. Ikaw ang kawawa dito kasi you get to be blamed.”

In her response, Judge Palabrica argued that her candid and blunt words were not malicious but rather an expression of her dismay and frustration with Judge Grado, who said that she would not be ashamed if her relationship was publicly scrutinized and that she would only agree to a settlement if the accused paid her P50,000 and returned her gun.

The Judicial Integrity Board (JIB)-Office of the Executive Director found Judge Palabrica guilty of simple misconduct under Section 15(a) of Rule 140 of the Rules of Court and recommended the penalty of a fine in the amount of PHP 36,000.

In finding Judge Palabrica guilty of simple misconduct, the high court held that her comments belittled Judge Grado as a woman and undermined her character for pursuing the complaint against her former partner.

It denounced Judge Palabrica's remarks, saying they run counter to the judiciary’s commitment to foster an environment free from s*xist language and gender discrimination.

“Indeed, Judge Palabrica’s utterances, which perpetuate harmful stereotypes that portray women as inferior or weak, have no place in any judicial forum,” the Supreme Court said.

“Judge Palabrica’s behavior demonstrated insensitivity and even bias against a complainant before her sala, a lapse of rational judgment, and an authoritarian demeanor, all in an effort to preserve a misguided perception of judicial authority,” it added.

The high court noted that Judge Palabrica violated Canon 6, Section 6 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary, which mandates judges to "maintain order and decorum in all proceedings before the court."

“The court will not condone victim-blaming narratives and s*xist language. Judges, as stewards of the law, must lead by example, fostering inclusivity and eliminating discrimination both in and out of the courts,” the Supreme Court stressed.

Meanwhile, Judge Palabrica was exonerated for the gross ignorance of the law complaint, as Judge Grado failed to provide substantial evidence that Judge Palabrica acted with bad faith, dishonesty, fraud, or corruption.

She likewise cannot be held liable for violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability because there is no indication that her misconduct compromised her moral fitness to remain a member of the Bar.

Considering that Judge Palabrica was also held administratively liable in an earlier case, the SC slapped her with a P101,000 fine as a penalty and a warning that a repetition of the same offense shall be dealt with severely.

11/09/2025

GADvocates, the journey towards continues!

We’re excited to announce that the official webpage for the 2025 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is now LIVE!

Visit https://pcw.gov.ph/2025-18-day-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women/ and explore everything you need to take part in this year’s observance, including:
✔️ Our journey
✔️ Memorandum Circular
✔️2023 - 2028 Campaign Theme
✔ 2025 Focus and Objectives
✔ PCW-led activities and recommended initiatives for stakeholders

You can also download the branding guide, campaign collaterals, and other advocacy materials to power up your initiatives.

Together, let’s make the 2025 18-Day Campaign to End VAW meaningful, inclusive, and impactful—while keeping it non-partisan. 🧡

10/09/2025

⚠️ Violence against women is a global emergency.

Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member.

This is not a “private” or “minor” issue. It's widespread. And it will not end without action.

, the world must prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

Learn more: http://unwo.men/k1IF50WUt3y

03/09/2025

With Open Hearts and Shared Hands: What Our Marriage Taught Me about Partnership and Parenthood
By Sheema B. Bajana-Samson

My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for four years now, but our journey together spans a decade. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for a relationship that has always felt like a true partnership. From the very beginning and even when we were still dating, there was no struggle for power, no need to prove who was stronger or more capable. Kevin recognized and respected the strength I brought into the relationship, and I did the same for him. It was never about one leading and the other following; we have always walked side by side.

But as anyone in a long-term relationship knows, marriage introduces new dynamics. And for us, the biggest shift came when we became parents.

Growing up, I was surrounded by images of women as the primary caregivers; the selfless mothers who seemed to naturally carry the bulk of the parenting load. And while I admired them deeply, I also quietly feared whether I could live up to that standard. Could I be a “good” mother and still hold on to who I am?

What made all the difference was my husband’s commitment to being an equal parent. After giving birth, when I was still recovering and learning how to navigate this new world, he was right there: giving baths, bottle-feeding our baby with my expressed milk, waking up at night as I pumped, and staying up with me without being asked. It was never a question of helping me, it was always, “What do we need to do?”

That experience changed me. It deepened my understanding that shared responsibility is not only possible, it’s powerful. Parenthood became an extension of the equality we’ve always had in our relationship. We are both caregivers. We are both providers. We are both figuring it out together.

And here’s something else we’ve long tossed out the window: gender roles in household chores. In our home, the division of labor is based not on expectations, but on strengths. Kevin is naturally more meticulous, he does the cooking, the washing, the budgeting, and all the little things that keep the household running. Me? Well, I bring... great moral support. Haha. My strengths in the household chores are still being discovered so stay tuned!

This kind of partnership is not just about love: it’s about respect. It’s about rewriting old narratives that say caregiving is only a woman’s job, or that leadership in the household belongs to the man. Our marriage is a daily practice of mutual respect, open communication, and conscious decision-making. And while we are not perfect, we are committed.

What I’ve learned is that healthy relationships are not defined by who sacrifices more, but by how well we support each other. It’s in the small, quiet moments, midnight feedings, shared responsibilities, honest conversations where the strongest foundations are built.

Now, our teamwork has expanded far beyond parenting. Managing finances, pursuing careers, facing the pressure of adulting; it’s all shared. There were rough patches but what pulled us through was our commitment to show up. For each other. For our child. For ourselves.

And if I’m being real, my job isn’t exactly your usual 8-to-5. It involves travel, weekend events, nighttime meetings, and sometimes more out-of-office days than in-office ones. Sometimes, I joke that our house is just my hotel with very strict check-in policies and a resident toddler with no chill. But even in the chaos, my husband holds the fort.

When I’m away, he’s home. He cooks, cares, cuddles, and manages bedtime routines like a pro. He doesn’t “babysit”, he parents. And he does so with grace and strength that humbles me.

And when he’s away, I’m home. I step in, hold the fort, and keep our little one in check. We’ve built a rhythm of taking turns, of showing up when the other can’t, and of trusting that whoever is home has it covered. It’s not about whose job it is; it’s about being there for our family, whenever and however we can. (Except cooking and doing the laundry... I wait for him to come home. We all have our limits. Haha!)

In a world that still often tells women to stay home and men to stay strong, my husband flips the script. He’s a proof that masculinity isn’t threatened by caregiving but strengthened by compassion.

Chasing a career while parenting a toddler is no small feat. There are days when the guilt creeps in, when exhaustion takes over, and when I wonder if I’m doing enough in either role. But what gives me the courage to keep going is knowing that I have a partner who doesn’t just supports me: he champions me. Kevin doesn’t see my ambition as a threat to our family life; he sees it as part of who I am. He celebrates my wins, holds space for my failures, and reminds me that I can be both a loving mother and a driven professional. With him by my side, I’m not just balancing -- it feels like I’m thriving. And that, to me, is the kind of partnership that makes anything possible.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in these ten years, it’s this: Real partnership isn’t about splitting everything 50/50—it’s about giving 100% when the other can’t. It’s about laughter, sacrifice, switching roles without losing respect, and redefining what it means to be a strong couple, strong parents, and strong individuals.

And sometimes, yes, it’s about being okay with living out of your suitcase while your husband keeps your toddler from drawing on the walls. That’s love, too.

To my husband, Kevin—thank you for being my partner in all things. Your love, patience, and presence make this journey beautiful. This story is ours, and I’m proud to live it with you every day.

💜First of the 12-Part Series | Focusing on "Healthy Foundations: Nurturing Respect and Equality in Filipino Marriages and Partnerships" exploring the dynamics of healthy husband-wife relationships in Filipino context, emphasizing mutual respect, communication, shared decision-making, and prevention of domestic violence.

13/08/2025

🌹Celebrating 22 years of committed and dedicated service promoting gender justice and fighting to end gender-based violence. GWAVE will continue to work towards ending GBV in our communities and achieve gender equality.