Start ‘Em Young 2026 Strengthens Gender Sensitivity Among UP Diliman Freshies and Student-Athletes
Article by Yam Abejuro, UPD OVCSA Gender and Development Officer.
As UP Diliman celebrates Pride Month this June, the University continues to promote safety, respect, and inclusivity as essential values in campus life, in line with the broader call of Sustainable Development Goal 5 to advance gender equality. This commitment was reflected in Start ‘Em Young 2026: Gender Sensitivity Orientation for Freshies, conducted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office (DGO) and the Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH).
Students gather at the UP School of Statistics Auditorium for Start ‘Em Young 2026. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
Held on 2 and 9 March 2026 at the UP School of Statistics Auditorium, and on 16 March 2026 via Zoom webinar, the orientation introduced first-year students, transferees, new graduate students, and student-athletes to key discussions on SOGIESC, consent, boundaries, and the university’s anti-sexual harassment code. Across all sessions, the program recorded 2,043 actual participants, of whom 1,942 met the required attendance duration of at least 100 minutes.
In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Jose Carlo G. de Pano emphasized UPD’s commitment to remain a safe and supportive space for students, especially on matters concerning gender, women, and development. He reminded participants that no one should experience discrimination because of their gender, sexual orientation, or identity.
Vice Chancellor Jose Carlo G. de Pano delivers his opening remarks during Start ‘Em Young 2026. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
He also invited students to take part in OVCSA programs and assured them that the office remains open to hearing their concerns. “I might not be able to address your issue and I can’t commit that I can solve your problem, but I can commit to listening to you, whatever those issues are… ang OVCSA ay para sa estudyante,” he added.
Through sessions facilitated by DGO and OASH, participants were oriented on foundational gender concepts, university policies, reporting mechanisms, and support services for gender-related concerns. The discussions helped students better understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as the offices they may approach for assistance, counseling, referrals, and other forms of support.
Speakers and hosts engage in the question-and-answer portion of Start ‘Em Young 2026. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
Alongside the lectures, booths from OVCSA, DGO, and OASH were set up at the venue lobby where participants learned more about the services of each office and received free merchandise and informational materials. Games were also held during the program to encourage participation, and the question-and-answer portion allowed students to raise concerns and clarify points from the discussions. To make the process more comfortable, participants were given the option to submit questions anonymously.
Students visit the OASH booth and receive merch and informational materials during Start ‘Em Young 2026. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
Student evaluations reflected a positive reception of the orientation. Based on responses from 1,904 evaluation entries, the speakers received an overall average rating of 4.80 out of 5.00, while the program received an overall average rating of 4.78 out of 5.00. Participants described the sessions as informative, meaningful, and helpful in understanding gender sensitivity, anti-sexual harassment, and the support systems available within UPD. They also appreciated the speakers’ clear and respectful responses during the question-and-answer portion.
Students listen as panelists respond to questions during the Start ‘Em Young 2026 question-and-answer portion. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
As Pride Month reminds communities of the continuing work toward equality and inclusion, Start ‘Em Young 2026 serves as one of UP Diliman’s efforts to introduce these values early in students’ university life. The program emphasized that gender sensitivity is not limited to awareness, but is practiced through everyday actions.
Through SEY 2026, the OVCSA reaffirmed that building an inclusive campus is a shared responsibility among students, offices, and the wider university community.
Documentation
The OVCSA GAD officer, hosts, and participants pose for a group photo after Session 1 of Start ‘Em Young 2026, held during the morning session on March 2, 2026, at the UP School of Statistics Auditorium. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
The OVCSA GAD officer, hosts, and participants pose for a group photo after Session 2 of Start ‘Em Young 2026, held during the afternoon session on March 2, 2026, at the UP School of Statistics Auditorium. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
The OVCSA GAD officer, hosts, and participants pose for a group photo after Session 3 of Start ‘Em Young 2026, held during the morning session on March 9, 2026, at the UP School of Statistics Auditorium. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
The OVCSA GAD officer, hosts, and participants pose for a group photo after Session 4 of Start ‘Em Young 2026, held during the afternoon session on March 9, 2026, at the UP School of Statistics Auditorium. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
The OVCSA GAD officer, hosts, and participants pose for a group photo after Session 5 of Start ‘Em Young 2026, held on March 16, 2026 via Zoom Webinar. Photo by Anna Cruz, UPD OVCSA.
