UPV GDP, Ugsad Lead ‘One Billion Rising’ 2025 Activities

The Gender and Development Program (GDP) of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network organized activities in Iloilo City and Miagao as part of the global One Billion Rising campaign this February.

GDP Director and Ugsad Coordinator Prof. Kezzie Lyn Hilado opened the event with a discussion on the campaign’s significance during an activity held at the Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City on Feb. 14, 2025. Participants included representatives from national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.

The event featured a prayer to end violence against women, followed by solidarity messages from Ugsad representatives, including UP Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong.

Attendees then took part in the One Billion Rising campaign dance, “Isang Bilyong Babae ang Babangon.”

On Feb. 17, UPV GDP and the Digital Innovation Center (DIC) held a joint program at the UPV New Administration Building in Miagao, replacing the usual Monday flag-raising ceremony.

DIC Director Prof. Rhea Subong-Espina spoke on standing in solidarity with women who have experienced violence.

One Billion Rising is the largest mass action in history advocating for an end to violence against women, including cisgender, transgender, and those with fluid identities facing gender-based violence.

Launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, the campaign was founded on the staggering statistic that one in three women globally will be beaten or raped in her lifetime.

This year’s theme is “Rise for Freedom.” (Sources: Carlson Alelis/IPO; onebillionrising.org)