WMSU Lakandiwa

22/04/2026

The WMSU Lakandiwa Organization strongly condemns the brutal killing of Cindy Ballaho, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, who was tragically found lifeless with multiple stab wounds. As we observe the Le***an Visibility Week, a time meant to celebrate identity, visibility, and pride, it is deeply painful to be confronted with such a senseless act of violence.

We urge the authorities to act with urgency and integrity in addressing this case, ensuring that justice is served and that the rights of all individuals are protected. Accountability must be upheld to prevent further harm and to reinforce that such acts will not be tolerated.

Lakandiwa stands in solidarity with the family, friends, and loved ones of Cindy Ballaho. We extend our deepest sympathies and honor her life as we share in the grief of those she left behind.

In moments like this, silence can allow injustice to persist. Violence and hatred have no place in any community, and this tragedy underscores the urgent need to uphold compassion, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

11/04/2026

Time and again, we are reminded that meaningful initiatives are rarely handed the space they deserve. They are fought for, worked on, and carried by people who refuse to let them be set aside. And so, we chose to persist, to find ways, to make ways, and to ensure that what matters to the community continues to move forward.

In this pursuit, the University Student Council remains steadfast—offering its support not only as an institution, but as an ally in action. By standing with those who dare to initiate, it helps bridge gaps, open possibilities, and ensure that efforts rooted in the welfare of students are given the chance to thrive.

10/04/2026

Known across WMSU and throughout the city as a steadfast gender advocate and ally, Prof. Echem shared a powerful reflection during Lakandiwa’s General Assembly—one that resonated deeply with the lived realities of students like members of the WMSU Lakandiwa. Prof Echem spoke of the quiet courage it takes each day for the members of the community to choose authenticity, and to simply be themselves in a world that does not always make space for difference and acceptance.

Still, her message carried hope grounded in responsibility. She urged the community to move beyond mere awareness and toward action. To use the organization in helping create a university environment where inclusion is intentional and lived by everyone. A space where no student has to question their safety or belonging, and where authenticity is met not with resistance, but with respect. In this shared vision, WMSU becomes more than an institution—it becomes a community that uplifts, protects, and empowers every student to be unapologetically themselves.

05/04/2026

Kween-tuhan with Wild Cats✨

What does inclusive education look like beyond institutions that already have established LGBTQIA+ organizations? 🌈

In this Kweentuhan with UZ student leaders, we explore inclusion from a different perspective—one that goes beyond structured support systems and into the lived realities of students still finding their space. Moreover they also expressed the hope they hold on to that the progress within their university will, in the right time, reach and uplift LGBTQIA+ students.

27/03/2026

As this campaign closes, WMSU Lakandiwa together with LGBTQIA+ Committee of USC and UGA holds a webinar, "Hiraya Mascara for Inclusive U: Karapatan Check!", as the final stretch. The program begins with a briefing on SOGIE SC to be delivered by WMSU Lakandiwa's Mhiema Rosas, Nur-Aina J. Albar! Followed by a lecture on Gender-based Discrimination and Prohibited Acts on Campus to be discussed by Bryon Senga from Babaylanes, Inc. Finally, to strengthen one's understanding of gender sensitive policy-making, a discussion on Legal Frameworks will be brought to us by Atty. Denssel Atilano from Mujer LGBT Organization Inc. 📖🔥

Join us now! The campaign may have come to its end but the fight for solidarity and diversity continues. 🌺🌷

🔗 REGISTER HERE:

https://forms.gle/SNcEEYwoARpFYbBZ8
https://forms.gle/SNcEEYwoARpFYbBZ8
https://forms.gle/SNcEEYwoARpFYbBZ8

27/03/2026

🦋 HIRAYA MASCARA DRAWS ITS CURTAINS 🦋

Hiraya Mascara for Inclusive U is a movement that calls on every student to know their rights and refuse to tolerate discrimination, exclusion, or silence. It pushes for safe spaces where authenticity thrive and inclusivity is non-negotiable. Moreso, it empower students to speak up, take action, and stand firmly in their truth.

Join us now! The campaign may have come to its end but the fight for solidarity and diversity continues. 🌺🌷

🔗 REGISTER HERE:

https://forms.gle/SNcEEYwoARpFYbBZ8
https://forms.gle/SNcEEYwoARpFYbBZ8
https://forms.gle/SNcEEYwoARpFYbBZ8

26/03/2026

Over 50+ packs of sanitary napkins and over 400+ sanitary pads donated to the WMSU University Student Council this Women's Month. 💜 You may get them through the pink box filled with sanitary pads, and yes, they're all free!

Made possible through the support of the CCS-Gender Club, WMSU Lakandiwa, and every member who contributed, because women's needs deserve to be seen and not overlooked.

This is what showing up looks like. And part of showing up is making sure women have access to the information they need too.

That's why this March 29th, we're hosting a webinar called PCOS: Know Your Cycle.

Register here now: https://forms.gle/hTXf33rdG6nfY3yx8

21/03/2026

This March, let's talk about something that affects 1 in 7 women and is still so rarely understood. 🫂

The Rotaract Club of WMSU is hosting Know Your Cycle: A PCOS Webinar, and we want YOU there.

Whether you have PCOS, think you might, or simply want to learn, this is your space. Knowledge is one of the most powerful things we can give ourselves and each other, and this one's free.

Come learn, ask questions, and leave knowing more than you did before. 🤍

📅 March 29, 2026
🕐 1:00 – 5:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom
Register here → https://forms.gle/hTXf33rdG6nfY3yx8

Share this with someone who needs to see it!

This March, let's talk about something that affects 1 in 7 women and is still so rarely understood. 🫂

The Rotaract Club of WMSU is hosting Know Your Cycle: A PCOS Webinar, and we want YOU there.

Whether you have PCOS, think you might, or simply want to learn, this is your space. Knowledge is one of the most powerful things we can give ourselves and each other, and this one's free.

Come learn, ask questions, and leave knowing more than you did before. 🤍

📅 March 29, 2026
🕐 1:00 – 5:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom
Register here → https://forms.gle/hTXf33rdG6nfY3yx8

Share this with someone who needs to see it!

✍️: Huwayda
🖼: Maria Ellyza

19/03/2026

✨ Kween-tuhan with Zamboanga City Universities ✨

Our journey for inclusion now moves forward.

📍 First stop: Western Mindanao State University

Here, we pass the microphone to the highest student office, inviting them to share not just their answers, but also their actions. What are they doing to build spaces that is inclusive for all individual?
In our conversation with student leaders, the USC President of WMSU shared a perspective that captures both the challenge and the direction forward:

“The council has plans to achieve a more inclusive environment, but of course we cannot just snap our fingers and make it happen immediately because it has to go through a long process. What’s important is that I can give you a confirmation that we are doing something.”

There is honesty in recognizing that inclusion cannot be rushed. But there is also assurance in knowing that steps, no matter how small, are already being taken.

And as this chapter unfolds, we’re already looking ahead. 👀

Next stop: Universidad de Zamboanga.

Stay with us as we continue this journey toward a university experience that truly belongs to all. 🌈

16/03/2026

Let's make WMSU a Safe Space!

As part of the Hiraya Mascara for Inclusive U project and inclusive education for all campaign, WMSU Lakandiwa has posted Safe Space stickers to affirm that our university values inclusivity, understanding, and support. These stickers remind us that every crimsons has the right to feel safe, respected, and heard within the four corners of the classroom.

14/03/2026

Sashay Away, Aragon!

Ignoring respect, equality, and safe spaces? That's so last season!

Hop on our learning post trail and join us as we share tips on how to practice kindness, understanding, and inclusion within the WMSU community.

Don’t be the Aragon who misses all the fabulousness of inclusion. Stay curious, stay kind, stay open, and let’s make our campus a sparkling, safe space where everyone can shine, strut, and thrive together!