UST Hiraya, the pioneer intersectional feminism, mental health and gender equity organization in the University, invites the Thomasian community to their primary general assembly entitled
“HirayaManawari” on November 24, 2017 at the university’s Medicine Auditorium.
Roughly translating to “chase your dreams” in Filipino, Hiraya Manawari is dedicated to
introducing and promoting the organization’s cause, advocacies and the projects that they have lined
up for the school year to their members and supporters from the faculty and student body.
“Aside from introducing UST Hiraya and what we could bring to the university, the event
will also be a platform for discussion on trending socio-political issues in the country, in hopes
of enlightening the Thomasians and molding them into catalysts of social change,” said UST
Hiraya’s founder and president Stephanie de Guzman.
Representing five major advocacies such as mental health, gender equity, violence
against women (VAW) students in action, and arts & culture, the organization casts prominent
personalities as key speakers for the event.
These include
- Sen. Risa Hontiveros as the key speaker, active supporter of the Anti-discrimination bill (ADB)’s passage
- Dr. Gia Sison, M.D. for mental health, breast cancer survivor, mental health advocate and practicing doctor
- Gender equality supporter UP Babaylan President Vince Liban for gender equity
- VAW’s speaker is GSIS legal head Atty. Shyanne Juan-Monera who has personally handled cases on violence against women and children
- Filipina-Sudanese singer-songwriter and a popular name on Twitter, Effy Elmubarak, for arts & culture.
- Former St Scholastica’s College president and reproductive health advocate Sr. Mary John Mananza for students in action.
The event is in partnership with WhenInManila.com, Frappe la Rue, Zesto Corporation Philippines, Trampoline Park Philippines, Tinapayan Bakeshop, the Thomasian Cable Television (TOMCAT), We The Pvblic, and Scout Magazine.
For UST Hiraya, Hiraya Manawari marks the start of their journey in becoming the
university’s prime exponent of empowerment and safe space for victims of harassment,
ultimately becoming a step closer to a more inclusive UST.
