Inclusion Week 2025, held on March 24 to 28, aimed to amplify inclusion and embrace every voice. The event was organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics (OVCA), Center for Inclusive Education (CIE), Best Buddies Philippines (BBP), in partnership with the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), and Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC).
This year, the annual Inclusion Week kicked off with Benildean Inclusion Stories, a webinar that highlighted the experiences of students and alumni from the CIE, the BWC, and the SDEAS.
Mr. Christopher “Kieran” Fanega, a Benilde alumnus from the Real Estate Management program, alongside Mr. Leonides "Leo" Sulse, a research coordinator at DLS-CSB, and Jed Benedict Reyes, a current student, shared their personal journeys—shedding light on the challenges they have faced and the importance of fostering an inclusive community.
Throughout the week, Benildean students, faculty, and partners actively participated in discussions and interactive, character-building activities aimed at deepening their understanding of inclusion.
Amplifying inclusion and awareness
On March 24, the Benilde Inclusion and Sensitivity Workshop was held to break down barriers, strengthen connections, and embrace diversity with open hearts and minds. The session was facilitated by Mr. Jeremiah So Adriano, the Inclusion Advocacy Unit Head of CIE.
Recognizing the role of creativity in shaping inclusive spaces, a Design and Accessibility seminar was held on March 25, with its guest speaker Ms. Vanessa Puente, the Director for Center for Faculty Advancement. The seminar explored how inclusive designs can transform lives and create a world where everyone can thrive.
On March 26, the End the R Word seminar kicked off with the theme, “Language as a Tool for Building Communities.” Ms. Romiane Grace Gonzales, Director of Operations at Best Buddies Philippines (BBP), shared statistics on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
“Disability is part of diversity. It has always been part of our community,” she stated.
She highlighted how many PWDs continue to struggle due to outdated data and inadequate support systems, noting that the most comprehensive sources from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) go back to the 2016 National Disability Prevalence Survey (NDPS).
“Let’s speak with kindness, compassion, and empathy,” she concluded.
Keynote speakers Ms. Grace Loedin, a learning support assistant at Vanguard Academy, Mr. Victor Francesco “Vico” Cham, an award-winning artist, and Ms. Jessica Malca, one of BBP’s ambassadors, have shared their experiences growing up and the advocacies they actively promote.
“Today, we make a stand. Today we end the R word. Today we advocate for inclusion,” Ms. Leodin declared as she concluded her speech.
Furthermore, the Deaf Awareness Orientation on March 28 shed light on Filipino Deaf Culture, aiming to break misconceptions surrounding the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and promote a deeper understanding of its significance. The orientation provided insights into the unique linguistic and cultural identity of the Filipino Deaf community, emphasizing the importance of recognizing FSL as a distinct and legitimate language.
Embracing every voice
On March 25, a Mental Health Talk and Workshop was held to teach how to manage anxiety effectively. Ms. Justine Jamella ‘Jam’ Pecasales, a registered Guidance Counselor and Psychometrician, led the talk with the theme, “Mindset Reset: Overcoming Anxiety One Thought at a Time,” discussing signs and symptoms, differences from fear and stress, as well as techniques to cope.
“There should be no stigma when talking about anxiety because it happens to everyone,” she stated.
Furthermore, on March 27, the Beyond the Binary: Navigating a World of Gender Diversity seminar was held, exploring the spectrum of gender in a safe and welcoming space. The talk was led by Mx. Gregorio III Caligua, researcher specializing in Philippine LGBTQIA+ history, as well as a faculty member in the Department of History at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Uniting voices through play
The event highlighted the importance of physical activity by hosting a different sport each day, allowing Benildeans of all backgrounds and abilities to participate. Students engaged in a variety of sports, including badminton, Palarong Pinoy, 3x3 basketball, volleyball, and e-sports, fostering camaraderie and inclusion through play.
The celebration ended with a mini concert at the Design and Arts Campus (DAC) Cafeteria, featuring Music Production students including FUJI, Miko, 3PM Anxiety, Nathan the Pogi, Nextone, Keen, Zach and Frienzz, Monique and the Moons, and Noj Laurel.
“Respect starts with me. Inclusion starts with all of us.” This was one of the lines recited during the audience oath-taking at the conclusion of the End the R Word seminar.
Inclusion is not just a week-long celebration; it is a continuous effort, a promise to uphold, and a call to action for every Benildean to carry forward—because respect begins with one, but true change begins with all of us.
