By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Raising the demand for accessible obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) services within the campus, Far Eastern University (FEU) Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) addressed the importance of women healthcare and bodily autonomy during the ‘PrimeTam: Healthy and Empowered Women’ forum at the FEUture Center Room 210 last November 25.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FEU SAGA Auditor Marianne Pugosa noted that the forum’s goal to amplify women’s need for accessible reproductive healthcare was inspired by the FEU Young Women’s Christian Association’s (YWCA) initial call for a school OB-GYN.

“‘Yung main goal ni PrimeTam is to amplify the voices of women here… and everyone in FEU na magkaroon sana tayo ng [OB-GYN or endocrinologist]... YWCA din kasi ‘yung naging daan namin… Siya ‘yung ni-reference namin na we need this (The main goal of PrimeTam is to amplify the voices of women and everyone here in FEU demanding having an OB-GYN or endocrinologist on campus. This forum was prompted by the YWCA),” she said.

Highlighting that women empowerment should be rooted in health, PrimeTam advocates for women’s physical, mental, and emotional wellness to break the barriers that limit their opportunities.

“PrimeTam reminds us that women empowerment is most powerful when it is rooted in health and when women have access to knowledge, resources, and a supportive environment that allows them to shine,” Pugosa remarked in her speech.

Through discussions about women’s hormonal health and bodily autonomy, the forum aimed to raise Tamaraws’ awareness, open conversations, and push students to champion accessible healthcare services in the University themselves.

“Nagsa-start kami from the very beginning… Discussion muna and then sa mga um-attend, maybe may matutunan sila… and parang ma-ignite sila na we really need this so [they] should be an advocate for it also (We are starting from the fundamental discussion in hopes that the attendees will learn something and be motivated to also advocate for women’s health),” Pugosa added.

Among the speakers was Dr. Antonio Pescador Jr., an endocrinologist who shed light on different endocrine disorders experienced by young women as well as the layers of transgender endocrinology.

The healthcare professional underlined the existing knowledge gap about the reality of transitioning, emphasizing the importance of keeping transgenders well-informed before they undergo gender-affirming procedures through similar forums and educational initiatives.

“Mas maganda na mas ma-enhance sa kanila through mga forum like this or mga educational materials… para mas healthy ‘yung paggamit… I think in the future, marami pang made-develop kasi slowly, nag-e-evolve na naman ‘yung mga doctor,” Pescador said.

Meanwhile, FEU SAGA Director Jeremiah Sanchez expounded on the landscape of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in the Philippines, enlightening students about their rights and the essence of bodily autonomy.

“SRHR is a talk that regards our decision in ourselves—making an informed decision, making a [consensual] decision… It is very important and crucial for us to have this information on SRHR… It’s not just because of the technicalities of laws and how we protect ourselves [in unexpected scenarios]. With this, we could be reminded that these are the boundaries of ourselves and it is healthy for us to have boundaries,” Sanchez said. 

During the 10th FEU Congress last school year, YWCA proposed House Resolution No. 10, urging the University Health Services to hire a licensed OB-GYN to support female students suffering from specific conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Last February, YWCA’s survey revealed that 375 out of 387 respondents agree with the initiative. However, no progress about the resolution has been observed as of writing.

(Photo by Cathlyn Audrey Adaro/FEU Advocate)