PINES CITY COLLEGES MAIN GROUNDS — In a vibrant display of solidarity and community building, Pines City Colleges (PCC) successfully conducted its two-day advocacy event, “KAPIHAN AT KUMUSTAHAN: Strengthening the voices of PCC LGBTQ+, Women, and Students with Disabilities and Diverse Needs for Inclusive Development,” on March 26 and 27, 2026.
The initiative, organized by the Guidance and Counseling Services in collaboration with the Gender and Development (GAD) Committee now referred to as Gender Sensitivity and Disability Committee (GSDC), aimed to create a safe, expressive space for marginalized sectors and their allies within the campus.
A Collaborative Foundation for Inclusivity
The event kicked off on Day 1 with a hands-on setup led by Ma’am Consuelo E. Pagaduan, RGC, and Ma’am Jona Mae Q. Garapo, RPm, alongside Student Affairs assistants and dedicated PICCASO representatives. A critical Re-Orientation Meeting was held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, led by the Guidance and Counseling Services officers, the GAD/GSD Committee, and involving a core group of instructors, non-teaching staff, OSH Committee, and SSC. This meeting ensured that the event’s objectives—centered on inclusive development and sensitivity—were effectively integrated into the two-day program.
The “Rainbow Cafe” Experience
The PCC Open Grounds were transformed into a hub of creativity and relaxation. Participants were welcomed at the Rainbow Cafe Booth, where free coffee and snacks were provided to fuel their engagement. To enhance the atmosphere, soft background music played throughout the event, creating an inviting “vibe” for heart-to-heart conversations.
Students were given the freedom to choose from several activity stations based on their interests:
Information Corner: A reading nook curated with magazines, books, and literature regarding Republic Acts and laws relevant to gender equality and disability rights.
Kapihan at Kumustahan: A dedicated space for open dialogue and checking in on student well-being.
Expressive Arts: A creative corner for card making, bookmark designing, collage, and Zen Adult Coloring (Zentangles).
Indoor Games: Competitive spirits were high at the board game stations featuring Chess, Uno, Ludo, and Jenga.
By the Numbers: A Diverse Turnout
The event saw a significant turnout, emphasizing the strong presence of advocates and women within the PCC community. The final tally of participants included:
- Women: 172
- Advocates: 63
- LGBTQ+: 34
- Total Attendance: 269
While women and advocates made up the majority of the attendees, the event successfully reached students with diverse needs, ensuring their voices were centered through their artistic outputs and active participation.
Legacy of Expression
On the second day, the momentum continued as students participated in the same set of activities. A unique feature of the event was the Output Display Area, where students showcased their slogans, posters, and drawings for the public to appreciate. These pieces of art served as a visual testament to the diverse perspectives of the student body. Participants were informed that they could later claim their works at the Guidance and Counseling Office.
As the event concluded at 5:00 PM on March 27, participants left with Reminder Slips detailing the rationale of the advocacy, ensuring that the message of inclusive development stays with them. The Guidance and Counseling Services also collected evaluations to further refine their programs for the betterment of the Pines City Colleges’ community. #Adrian Anthony Osio (DDM)
