by: Renz Basyag, Steve Emanuel Coyugan, and Khiel Lachica (University of Baguio)
SIBOL, the first student organization at the University of Baguio centered on the LGBTQ+ community and gender-inclusive education, formally introduced itself to students during its first general assembly held at the Alumni Audio-Visual Room.
The organization, whose name comes from the Filipino word meaning “to grow” or “to nurture,” aims to create a safe and inclusive space for marginalized and nonconventional identities within the university and the wider Baguio City community.
Organizers said the group was formed after years of planning and discussions among its founders.
University officials and students attended the event, which emphasized the importance of representation and inclusivity in Baguio, known as a cultural melting pot.
SIBOL leaders said the assembly marked the beginning of their efforts to institutionalize support systems for LGBTQ+ students and promote gender-sensitive education on campus.
A major part of the program focused on gender identity and sexuality education.
Guest speaker Nixx Reyes, a graduate of the University of the Philippines Baguio, chairperson of Bahaghari Metro Baguio, and a transgender woman, discussed common misconceptions surrounding gender and sexual orientation.
She also addressed current online trends that contribute to bisexual and pansexual erasure and discourage inclusivity.
Reyes led a discussion on SOGIESC, or Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics.
The session covered biological aspects of sex, the impact of harmful labels, and the experiences of non-binary and agender individuals.
Participants were encouraged to develop empathy and respect for diverse identities.
SIBOL President Steven Kenneth Domingo said the organization plans to remain active beyond advocacy talks.
During the assembly, members and officers outlined future projects and collected suggestions from attendees.
A representative from the Mediatrix Society, the official student organization of the university’s BA Communication program, proposed a possible podcast collaboration to promote the group’s advocacy ahead of Valentine’s Day.
In her closing message, Reyes emphasized that despite the many labels associated with gender and sexuality, the most important identity is being human.
She also encouraged students to take part in efforts to end gender-based violence and support inclusive education.
SIBOL leaders said the organization hopes to become a long-term support network for students who feel excluded or unheard, and to contribute to a more accepting academic environment in the university.
