UP Gender Law and Policy Program

17/10/2026

The UP Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP), together with the Legal Education Board (LEB), invites law students to the 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.

The event will be held on 𝟐𝟒 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲), from 𝟗:𝟎𝟎 𝐚.𝐦. 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. via 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦.

This orientation aims to introduce participants to fundamental gender concepts, with particular emphasis on gender rights in educational institutions. Law schools are encouraged to extend this invitation to their students, particularly those in their first and second years. As an introductory webinar, the session is intended to complement the mandatory gender courses offered in the later years of legal education.

Interested participants may register by scanning the QR code on the poster or through this link: https://tinyurl.com/Oct2026LEBGST . 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝟐𝟑 𝙊𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

For inquiries, please email [email protected].

17/10/2026

𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

Prof. Evelyn (Leo) D. Battad, Program Director of the UP Law Center Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP), together with Atty. Aubrey Louise Mejia and Atty. Irene Pua, Senior Legal Associates at UP GLPP, served as resource speakers at “Holistic School Wellness: A Comprehensive In-Service Training on Student Support, Teacher Well-Being, and Inclusive Safe Spaces,” organized by Catbangen Central School under the Schools Division Office of the City of San Fernando, La Union, on 11 September 2026. The training gathered 56 attendees and covered various aspects of school wellness, including student support, teacher well-being, and the promotion of safe and inclusive school environments.

In her lecture on “Gender and Society,” Prof. Battad discussed gender in relation to society and the importance of fostering gender-responsive environments. Atty. Mejia followed with a session on “Anti-Sexual Harassment,” addressing the importance of preventing and responding to sexual harassment. Meanwhile, Atty. Pua discussed “Gender-Fair Language in the Workplace,” emphasizing the role of inclusive and respectful communication in promoting equality in professional settings.

In line with UP GLPP’s continued efforts to advance gender equality through research, policy advocacy, and extension services, the lectures provided legal and policy perspectives to support the development of safe, equitable, and inclusive school communities. By engaging educators and school personnel on gender-related concerns, UP GLPP contributes to strengthening awareness of gender equality and encouraging the integration of gender-responsive principles into institutional policies and everyday practices.

The training forms part of Catbangen Central School’s efforts to promote holistic school wellness and mainstream Gender and Development principles in the workplace and in the delivery of basic education.

16/10/2026

𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐋𝐏𝐏’𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Last 11 October 2026, Atty. Glenda Litong, member of the Gender Law and Policy Program (GLPP) and Law Reform Specialist at the Institute of Human Rights, discussed the importance of sensitive and inclusive language in legal proceedings concerning sexual violence in an interview with ABS-CBN News for its Alamin ang Batas segment.

Atty. Litong highlighted the Court’s use of the term “victim-survivor” instead of “victim" when referring to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. She explained that language influences a person’s identity, self-worth, and self-esteem. Because victim-survivors already face stigma and victim-blaming brought forth by their experience, insensitive terminology can contribute to secondary traumatization, compounding and ultimately exacerbating the trauma experienced during the initial violence and subsequent legal proceedings. As such, using “victim-survivor” recognizes the pain and hardship experienced by survivors while affirming their strength and dignity.

The interview also discussed the Supreme Court’s 2023 Stylebook, which promotes more inclusive terminology, such as “non-marital child” instead of “illegitimate child,” “person deprived of liberty” instead of “prisoner,” and “persons with disabilities” instead of “disabled persons.” These terms place emphasis on the individual rather than their status or disability.

Ultimately, language is an essential part of access to justice. By adopting respectful and person-centered terminology, legal professionals can help foster a more humane justice system.

See the full segment discussing the aforementioned here: https://youtu.be/XiFAantZIeY?si=pW24QzmPSOU0hNqz&t=1396
(Timestamp: 23:46 to 27:58)

13/10/2026

𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐁𝐏-𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐒𝐌 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐛

The call for gender inclusivity continues to resonate in schools, households, media, and religious institutions. The law remains committed to advancing these changes, as reflected in the Safe Spaces Act, the Right to Care Ordinance of Quezon City, the gender-inclusive amendments to the Rules of Court, and recent jurisprudence such as Josef v. Ursua (G.R. No. 267469, February 5, 2025).

In line with our advocacy, the UP Law Center Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP) was privileged to serve as speakers at "Inevitable: Gender Equality and its Legal Development in the Philippines," held on 09 October 2026 at the Bernardino Hall of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Rizal RSM Chapter (IBP-Rizal RSM Chapter) in Pasig City. The event was organized in collaboration with the IBP Rizal-RSM Chapter and Justitia Lab.

Attended by law students from schools nationwide, the event focused on legal developments on gender equality. The discussion brought together legal experts, advocates, and members of the community for a meaningful exchange on gender equality in the Philippines.

The first lecture, led by Atty. Aubrey Mejia and Atty. Irene Pua, Senior Legal Associates of UP GLPP, traced legal developments on gender equality through jurisprudence, executive issuances, and local legislation that affect women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The lecture also highlighted the gaps that remain: there is still no national anti-discrimination law for persons of diverse SOGIESC, no adequate protection for equal work opportunities regardless of SOGIESC, no law recognizing same-sex marriage, and other gaps and inconsistencies on gender equality in both civil and criminal law.

The second lecture discussed the salient points of the SOGIESC Bill and its role in fostering gender equality in Philippine law.

Afterwards, Atty. Aubrey and Atty. Irene, together with the IBP-Rizal RSM Chapter and members of the Justitia Lab, joined a panel discussion on the country's readiness for more progressive policies. Attendees also shared their views on developments beyond the law and on the continued presence of groups opposed to progressive policies.

As the law continues to evolve, UP GLPP remains committed to advancing gender equality through research and publication, legislative and policy advocacy, and extension services.

03/10/2026

𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐆𝐁𝐓𝐐𝐈𝐀+ 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬’ 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐆𝐁𝐓𝐐𝐈𝐀+ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

On 30 September 2026, the UP Law Center Gender Law and Policy Program (GLPP), represented by Atty. Aubrey Mejia and Atty. Irene Pua, joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development DSWD Special Committee on Lgbtqia+ Affairs in its 1st Consultation Dialogue with LGBTQIA+ Stakeholders and civil society organizations in order to address issues concerning discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, with the intent of ultimately strengthening institutional responses to the same.

The consultation brought together LGBTQIA+ stakeholders for discussions and workshops on legal protection, work and employment, education and skills training, health and basic government services, and good governance, among others. The DSWD also launched the LGBTQIA+ Community Website and System, which establishes a centralized data repository for key stakeholders and partner organizations.

This engagement forms part of UP GLPP’s continuing efforts to engage in policy discussions and collaborative initiatives that advance the rights, protection, and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities in government institutions, in line with the Program’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive and rights-based laws and policies.

30/09/2026

𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 (𝐏𝐏𝐆𝐃) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟎

On 3 September 2026, Atty. Irene Pua, Senior Legal Associate at the UP Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP), attended the Luzon Consultation for the development of the Philippine Plan for Gender-Transformative Development (PPGD) 2026–2040, held at the Madison 101 Hotel in Quezon City.

Organized by the Philippine Commission on Women in partnership with the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, the PPGD 2026–2040 aims to capture the diverse experiences of women and girls and identify the structural changes needed to strengthen their autonomy, impact, safety, and mastery over the choices and resources shaping their lives.

UP GLPP, along with other stakeholders from government agencies, local government units, the academe, civil society, and women’s organizations, discussed priorities toward 2040 across five thematic areas: Economic Security, Care, and Protective Power; Freedom from Violence, Protection, and Justice; Leadership, Power, and Accountable Governance; Climate, Crisis, and Resilience; and Digital Futures, Technology, and Gender Norms.

Through its active participation and consistent action, UP GLPP continues to support the development of a robust gender equality framework for the country.

30/09/2026

𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐌, 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 & 𝐋𝐀𝐖 (𝐈𝐂𝐅𝐆𝐋) 2026 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐈 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐇 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐌

Atty. Louise Aubrey P. Mejia, Senior Legal Associate at the UP Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP), presented her research paper entitled “The World of the Unmarried: Modern Family Models in the Philippine Legal Framework” at the International Conference on Feminism, Gender, and Law (ICFGL) 2026, held last September 17-18 at the University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University, in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

With the need to recognize and protect diverse forms of the Filipino family, including common-law families, single-parent families, LGBTQIA+ families, polygamous families, and families existing outside of subsisting marriages, Atty. Mejia examined the social and legal functions of the family, as well as the state’s compelling interest in regulating the family and household vis-a-vis its compelling interest in regulating adult relationships or child-rearing units.

In line with UP GLPP’s continued efforts to provide a deeper understanding of marriage and family relations in the Philippines, Atty. Mejia presented potential legal reforms in order to fully recognize, protect, and enrich all Filipino families, regardless of marital status or the presence of children. Her research also contributes to enriching scholarship in feminist and gender studies by examining the legal recognition and protection of diverse family forms.

ICFGL 2026 contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through gender-responsive law-making, equal access to justice, inclusive legal education, and international partnerships. The conference convenes scholars and experts to explore the connection between judicial interpretation and legislative drafting, advancing feminist approaches from examining how laws are applied to shaping how they are written.

30/09/2026

UP Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP)’s Senior Legal Associate, Atty. Louise Aubrey P. Mejia, joins the discussion in Part 2 of Sen. Chiz Escudero’s podcast series on LGBTQIA+ legal realities in the Philippines. This part focuses on the protections that national legislation could provide for same-sex couples even without same-sex marriage.

𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤𝗜𝗔+ 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗛: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆, 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 & 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 — 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮

In Part 2 of this podcast series on LGBTQIA+ legal realities, Sen. Chiz Escudero continues the discussion with Atty. Dora, Janete Oviedo, and Atty. Aubrey Mejia. After unpacking the everyday challenges faced by same‑sex couples in Part 1, this episode turns to the bigger question: What protections can national legislation provide even without same‑sex marriage in the Philippines? Links in comment section.

Disclaimer: The legal and policy discussions in this episode reflect ongoing legislative debates in the Philippine Senate and do not represent finalized national laws. For specific legal inquiries, please consult with a licensed attorney.

24/09/2026

Progress is inevitable.

The clamor for gender inclusivity grows across schools, homes, media, and even religious environments. The law is at the helm of this progress, as seen in recent laws such as the Safe Spaces Act, the Right to Care Ordinance in Quezon City, the gender inclusive amendments to the Rules of Court, and recent jurisprudence such as Josef v. Ursua (G.R. No. 267469, February 05, 2025).

In recognition thereof, the 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬-𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐒𝐌 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫, in collaboration with the 𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 and 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐛, invites law students from all law schools to join “𝑰𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆: 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔.”

This event will be held on 09 October 2026, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM, at the Bernardino Hall in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines IBP-Rizal RSM Chapter, Pasig City.

To register, please click on this link:
https://forms.gle/c5LFGAobZLRKVf6HA

We look forward to further empowering inclusive social change within our future legal practitioners.

IBP Rizal-RSM Chapter

23/09/2026

LGBTQIA+ Legal Rights in the PH: Property, Hospitals & LGU Cards

How do same-sex couples protect their homes, their health, and their partners in a country that legally refuses to recognize their union?

In Part 1 of this exclusive Chiz Wiz episode, Senator Chiz Escudero sits down with Atty. Dora (LGBTQIA+ Advocate), Janete Oviedo (QC Gender and Development Council), and Atty. Aubrey Mejia (UP Gender Law and Policy Program) to expose the harsh legal realities faced by the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQIA+ Legal Rights in the PH: Property, Hospitals & LGU Cards

How do same-sex couples protect their homes, their health, and their partners in a country that legally refuses to recognize their union?

In Part 1 of this exclusive Chiz Wiz episode, Senator Chiz Escudero sits down with Atty. Dora (LGBTQIA+ Advocate), Janete Oviedo (QC Gender and Development Council), and Atty. Aubrey Mejia (UP Gender Law and Policy Program) to expose the harsh legal realities faced by the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community.

Links in comment section.