𝑮𝑨𝑫 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈

Women employees of J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) from various campuses—Main, Pagadian, Dumingag, and Lakewood—gathered for self-defense training on March 7, 2025, at the JHCSC Gymnasium in Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur. The event, themed “Stay Safe, Stay Strong: Practical Self-Defense for Women Employees of the JHCSC System,” was spearheaded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, led by its director, Dr. Trinidad C. Abapo.

Dr. Abapo welcomed all the participants and distinguished guests and delivered an inspiring message: “Empowerment begins when you know how to protect yourself,” she remarked. She also expressed her gratitude to College President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales for his support, as well as to the JHCSC GAD focal persons from other campuses: Ms. Wella Rose D. Dico (Dumingag), Ms. Cristy S. Udjaji (Lakewood), and Ms. Sharmaine Merontos (Pagadian).

PLT Dave D. Ebarle, the Officer-in-Charge of the 2nd ZSPMFC, served as the event’s guest speaker and emphasized the importance of mental alertness in self-defense. “The best weapon of a human being is not the weapon itself, but the mind,” he stated, underscoring that staying alert and maintaining presence of mind allow individuals to protect themselves, regardless of age or physical strength. He encouraged participants to remain vigilant, trust their instincts, and seek police assistance in times of danger or when witnessing criminal activities.

Before the training session began, the rationale and house rules were presented, followed by the introduction of the trainers. The session was conducted by PNP personnel from LGU San Miguel: PAT Roderick Bambalan and PAT Arnold Quimbo. Participants were paired up, one assuming the role of an intruder and the other as a victim. They practiced role-playing scenarios involving holdups with a knife or gun, as well as harassment situations using natural body weapons such as the head, knuckles, and knees.

JHCSC joins the National Women’s Month celebration. This training was the kickoff activity, equipping JHCSC women employees with essential self-defense techniques to enhance their security and confidence in handling emergencies. Additionally, the GAD Office has scheduled culminating activities simultaneously across JHCSC’s campuses to be held on March 14, 2025, underscoring the institution’s dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and safety.