The UPLB Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment recently (OASH) conducted a two-day Paralegal Training in Case Handling for the Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) Council and the Hearing Pool members on July 4 to 5, 2024 at Hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay.
The training course aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in handling sexual harassment cases within the university. It came in response to the need for strengthening capacities in case analysis and prima facie determination of the members of the ASH Council and Hearing Pool.
It is also aligned with OASH’s mission to disseminate the University’s policy, rules, and regulations on sexual harassment to make them an integral part of the academic culture.
Dr. Ana Katrina Palma-de Jesus, Coordinator of OASH, emphasized the objectives and the importance of the training. “These workshops seek to equip participants to be more responsive to case handling. If we work together, we can best serve the UPLB community,” she stated.
The program included sessions on gender sensitivity and gender-fair language, UP Anti-Sexual Harassment Code orientations, complaint procedures, and practical workshops on case handling, psychological self-care, and unmasking deception techniques.
Speakers included Dr. Ana Katrina de Jesus, UPLB OASH Administrative Assistant Renato Dumagco, Jr., Jullie Ann C. Reyes from the UPLB Gender Center, Atty. Fritzielyn Palmiery who serves as OASH Program Development Associate, Atty. Jorge Davide of the Legal Office, Gean Paulene S. Rivera, and Analyn Rapas from the Office of Counseling and Guidance.
Former OASH Director Dr. Emilia Lastica-Ternura joined the event and shared valuable insights based on her experiences. The presence of UPLB Gender Center Director Roselle Collado helped forge close coordination between the two offices’ and clarified their roles in ensuring safe spaces on campus.
Participants engaged in various activities including case studies, report writing exercises, and mock proceedings. The training also included a unique session on lie detection and malingering analysis, providing valuable tools for face-to-face interviews.
With an attendance of around 40 participants, including OASH and Gender Center staff, ASH Council, and Hearing Pool members, the event proved to be a significant step toward strengthening UPLB’s commitment to addressing and preventing sexual harassment on campus. (Kate Palma de Jesus)
The paralegal training represented a crucial investment in the university’s capacity to handle sexual harassment cases effectively and sensitively. Participants found the training effective, noting how challenging their roles are, and how determined they are in helping promote safe spaces in the University.
UPLB OASH is planning a second leg of the training, focused on hearing and investigative processes and procedures.
In a courtesy call that happened later, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. expressed support for the ensuing training, stating that case handling indeed requires utmost responsiveness.