The Office of Gender and Development, in partnership with Kaya Natin! Youth - TSU and Tarlac City chapter, and two prominent feminine care products relaunched “Project Pads” on Wednesday (October 21) at the TSU Hotel in Lucinda campus.
With a year's supply of sanitary napkins from Kotex and Charmee, Project Pads campaigns under the slogan "Take one in need, Leave one in kind." The project aims to provide access in emergency situations by installing dispensers in female restrooms, medical clinics, and student council offices across campuses. Students may get one sanitary pad when they're in need and replenish supplies when they can to ensure access for others.
"The relaunching of Project Pads also reflects the university's unwavering dedication to gender and development advocacy. It serves as a reminder that meaningful change begins with a compassionate action, and that even the most practical interventions can have a profound impact on the lives of our students and stakeholders as well," Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano said in a speech delivered by Ms. Diona D. Macasaquit, VPAA Executive Assistant.
According to Mr. Angelo Mallari, KNY Tarlac City chairperson, he reached out to the companies Kotex and Charmee, which immediately expressed interest in their initiative. He said other student organizations have also pledged support to donate sanitary napkins to help sustain their supplies.
Nurse Cheryl Abila from the Medical Services Unit discussed women's cycles, menstrual health, and menstrual hygiene awareness. Ms. Norie Anne Sumintac, Global Marketing Director at Lifestyle Inc., delivered a talk on Women's Empowerment. Ms. Sumintac is an alumna who graduated with a Bachelor of Elementary Education and served as a public school teacher. She was also a former member of the TSU Chorale.
"Hindi lang ito pagbibigay ng sanitary napkins; it is about protecting dignity, breaking stigma, and reminding every student that their needs matter — dahil wala dapat estudyante ang mamimili kung siya ba ay papasok o mag-aabsent. At ‘yun po ‘yung dahilan kung bakit naisip ng ating GAD na, kung tutuusin, ay simple lang pero ang laki ng impact sa mga estudyante. We strongly believe na kapag sinabing access to sanitation ay hindi dapat isang pribilehiyo, dapat 'yan napu-provide sa ating mga estudyante," OGAD Director Assoc. Prof. Christine Janelle Santiago said in her speech.
Photo by: Mr. Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
