TSU initiates 1st MOVE KATROPA gathering for gender equality promotion

Tarlac State University's Office of Gender and Development formed its first set of officers for the MOVE KATROPA (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere and Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya) last February 7, 2025 at the Main AVR.

MOVE KATROPA, a group that advocates a gender-fair society, will serve as a way for promoting safe spaces within and outside the university.

Moreover, it emphasizes the critical role of men in promoting gender equality in their households and workplace to foster a violence-free community.

This gathering marks the first time that an orientation for male employees within Tarlac province was conducted as part of the government's move to combat violence against women.

MOVE is under the Interagency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC). In 2006, MOVE was formed as part of the solution to end the cycle of violence against women, helping determine the role of men in ending VAW alongside equipping them with knowledge on reproductive health concerns.

Asst. Prof. King David Agreda, Cavite State University's MOVE KATROPA president and the National GAD resource pool of NEDA-CALABARZON, discussed the common gender identities and what the male sector can do to have an inclusive environment for all genders, like a capacity building for SOGIESC and policies on protection and preventing discrimination.

Agreda, the national chairperson for capacity building training and education of MOVE KATROPA, said that MOVE KATROPA has a module that teaches men how to gain financial freedom and financial literacy.

“Ang maganda po sa MOVE KATROPA, mas bibigyan kayo ng pagkakataon na maunawaaan yung role ninyo sa pamilya to create a harmonious relationhsip with your partner, between you and your extended family, meron din pong home management, at family planning,” Agreda told the participants.

“'Yung mga anak ko po babae. Ayaw kong dumating sa punto na dumating yung time na kapag wala na ako, tapos gagaganunin sila (pertaining to violence). Kaya sabi ko sa inyo, 'yung reason bakit kayo dyan nakaupo, it might be blurry right now, pero in a few moments of your GAD journey, mayroong makikitang rason kung bakit kayo nandiyan,” Agreda said, who also experienced and witnessed his mother suffer from violence or abuse by his own father.

Concluding the activity is the election of the TSU MOVE KATROPA, wherein Mr. Marlon C. Dela Cruz, Office of Human Resource Development and Management, was elected as its president and took oath on the same day.

The TSU MOVE KATROPA will be called "Movers," initiating societal change. (jlmm-OPA)

ELECTED OFFICERS OF TSU MOVE KATROPA: