THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 7877 ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACT OF 1995 IN BARANGAY GULOD NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Sexual harassment is not limited to overt sexual intentions but manifests in various forms, such as offensive remarks, bullying based on gender or sexual orientation, inappropriate jokes, unwanted touching, or coercion for favors. It can arise from various sources, including clients, supervisors, coworkers, or customers. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, also known as Republic Act 7877, was enacted in the Philippines in response to the seriousness of this issue. It provides protection and legal remedies for individuals who have been sexually harassed in the workplace or educational institutions.  This study aims to assess public awareness, community policing, and community feedback regarding the implementation and effectiveness of Republic Act 7877 in Barangay Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City. Understanding how anti-sexual harassment regulations are enforced and their impact on prevention is essential for developing focused interventions. This research utilized the quantitative descriptive research method, which involves the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data using a validated survey questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was employed by the researcher. Fifteen (15) police officers, fifteen (15) barangay officials, and twenty (20) community members, for a total of fifty (50) respondents/residents, participated in the study. The study reveals that the majority are females aged between eighteen and twenty-five years and long-time residents of Barangay Gulod. The first indicator, “public awareness,” shows that the general perception of the respondents is strongly agree, since the overall weighted mean is 3.52, within the range of 3.26-4.00. The second indicator, “community policing,” also shows that the general perception of the respondents is strongly agree, with an overall weighted mean of 3.46, within the same range. The last indicator, “community feedback,” reveals that the general perception of the respondents is strongly agree, with an overall weighted mean of 3.39, within the range of 3.26-4.00. The study revealed that limited support systems can discourage individuals from reporting incidents, and the lack of awareness about the law hampers its effective implementation. The study recommended developing community-based support services, such as counseling and safe spaces for victims, as well as conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate the community about RA 7877 and the importance of combating sexual harassment.