USG President highlights gender inclusivity concerns in first SUSGA for AY 2024–2025

University Student Government (USG) President Abigail Hapal addressed the Student Welfare and Formation Office (SWAFO)’s actions, raising gender inclusivity and campus safety concerns, during her first State of the University Student Government Address (SUSGA) at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS) on October 4.

During her address, Hapal revealed that a SWAFO officer confronted a transgender student, prompted by using the women’s restroom in the Ayuntamiento de Gonzalez Building on September 4, citing violation 27.1.9 of the Student Handbook, which tackles rules on “cross-dressing.”

“The Lasallian community holds the values of inclusivity, respect, and compassion as central to its mission… I dare to say that they [LGBTQIA+ Community] are the most oppressed sector in the University. Paulit-ulit na diskriminasyon at harassment na nangyayari taon-taon,” she expressed. 

As a consequence, the said student, who felt uncomfortable with using male-designated facilities, had their student identification card confiscated and was issued a gate pass for the alleged violation. 

“In response to this incident, the USG already conducted a comprehensive and impartial investigation. We also tried to represent the student in the proceedings of SWAFO. However, the case was ruled in favor of SWAFO,” the USG President shared.

She also highlighted that the incident is a significant concern not only for the USG but for the entire community, emphasizing the necessity for policies and practices that safeguard and affirm the identities of all students.

“The Student Handbook still prohibits cross-dressing, depriving thousands of students of freedom of expression. The USG reiterates its stance against the policy and its year-long commitment to have it removed,” she expressed.

In discussing their course of action regarding the issue, the USG also pledged to advocate for inclusive policies, including gender sensitivity training programs and movements against restrictive regulations such as the dress code policy​.

“You can expect that a gender sensitivity training program will take place this November. We are targeting all 280 block representatives to attend this program to develop their capacities to be frontliners in the issue of gender inclusivity,” Hapal stated.

She also called on the entire student body to be allies of the LGBTQIA+ sector, saying, “Ang laban nila ay laban natin”—emphasizing that protecting the rights and welfare of the community is a responsibility shared by everyone, not just the USG. 

 

 

 Concerns of PWDs

Regarding Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the University, Hapal expressed the importance of addressing their concerns, highlighting their need for support and equal participation in academic life. 

“They may not be common, but they are here and need our support,” she stated, advocating for immediate action to create both temporary and long-term solutions for the PWD community, which are the following:

• Implement a disability sensitivity program targeting all stakeholders to foster a Lasallian community that is respectful and has zero tolerance for discrimination against PWDs.
• Prioritize PWDs in queueing at Ayuntamiento, Food Square, and during University events. 
• Provide identification for PWDs to ensure they are recognized and given priority on campus; this will be in the form of customized lanyards.
• Coordinate with the Buildings and Facilities Management Office (BFMO) to integrate PWD accessibility into the development plan for campus facilities and resources. The University must evolve to be PWD-friendly in its designs.
• Consult with PWDs to ensure all plans are carefully and properly designed.

 

Concerns of student scholars

In the sector of student scholars, Hapal shared that the USG is aware of the University’s one-sibling scholarship policy, which stipulates that no more than one member of the same family can avail themselves of the scholarship program.

Furthermore, she revealed that their office received concerns that some students were stripped of their scholarships due to this policy and reiterated that the USG stands with the students on this issue.

“In the meantime, as our lobbying remains in progress, we are currently finding other scholarship opportunities for the affected students alongside the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Dr. Sonia Gementiza. I implore the Department of Student Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Business Affairs (DBA) to address this concern as soon as possible. You and I will be accountable to our scholars,” Hapal emphasized.

 

Concerns of non-Christian students

In the recent Animo Town Hall meeting, University officials announced plans to dedicate a multi-function room for non-Christian students upon the completion of certain infrastructure projects. 

Hapal acknowledged that, as a Catholic university, non-Christian students are still required to participate in mandatory spiritual and formation activities despite the institution’s plans to provide a multi-function room for students of other faiths.

 

Concerns of student-athletes and artists

The USG President also recalled the conduct of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony of student-athletes and Performing Arts Group (PAG) for the USG’s needs-based assistance and service, which was held last September 14 at the Cabezas Eugenio Viewing Room.

“We held consultations with them to correctly identify areas in need of support. Recently, we were also able to successfully defend the budget for PAG and athletes in front of the Congress. A few more steps, and we will be able to deliver the resources they need,” she shared. 

In her remarks during the last MoA ceremony, Hapal stressed the importance of early recognition and support for Filipino artists and athletes.

“Filipino artists and athletes only get celebrated when they have already won medals and made headlines—but a real celebration of Filipino talent is when we support them even before they get there,” Hapal stated.

 

Photo slider by Eurieca Tan