Upholding Ethical Governance and Zero Tolerance for Exploitative Practices
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) upholds its unwavering commitment to ethical governance and the protection of human dignity through the full implementation of employment policies that categorically prohibit all forms of modern slavery, forced labor, and exploitative practices. Anchored on the constitutional mandate to uphold human rights and labor dignity, EVSU ensures that all employment and contracting practices within the university strictly adhere to the principles set forth by Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, and Republic Act No. 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act.
EVSU’s Safe Space Manual serves as an institutional instrument promoting decent work, inclusivity, and gender-responsive protection within the workplace. The Safe Space Manual, aligned with Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, integrates proactive measures to prevent harassment, coercion, discrimination, and any form of abuse in the workplace. This framework complements EVSU’s existing Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, Gender and Development (GAD) programs, and Human Resource Management policies that safeguard employees’ welfare and promote a respectful, safe, and empowering work environment.
By embedding the prevention of modern slavery within its operational policies and human resource governance, EVSU demonstrates its holistic commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 8. The University continues to strengthen its institutional culture of accountability, fairness, and integrity—ensuring that every member of the EVSU community works and thrives in an environment free from exploitation and fear.
Through the leadership of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) and the GAD Office, EVSU conducts regular orientations, seminars, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with national labor standards and internal ethical policies. All employment contracts explicitly guarantee voluntary engagement, just compensation, and protection from exploitation or coercion—principles that echo the International Labour Organization’s conventions on decent work and freedom from forced labor.
EVSU explicitly declares that:
- Forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor are strictly prohibited in all university activities and transactions.
- All employment, internship, and contractual engagements within the institution are governed by fairness, voluntariness, and legality.
- All contractors, suppliers, and partners are required to uphold the same standards of dignity, equality, and respect for human rights.
- Violations of these principles will be dealt with through proper legal and administrative actions, including reporting to competent authorities as mandated by law.
Through these measures, EVSU affirms its enduring commitment to protecting human dignity, ensuring equitable treatment, and safeguarding safe and fair working conditions for all. Its ethical governance framework guarantees that the University’s mission of education and public service is carried out with integrity, transparency, and accountability—anchored in the belief that true excellence is built upon justice, fairness, and respect for human rights.
Championing Ethical Governance and Partnership for Transparent and Sustainable Development
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) continues to embody its core commitment to Upholding Ethical Governance and Zero Tolerance for Exploitative Practices through its strong partnerships and exemplary contributions to public service. This dedication was recently affirmed as EVSU was recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a 2024 Local Governance Champion, honoring the University’s unwavering collaboration in advancing good governance, transparency, and community development in Eastern Visayas.
The prestigious recognition was conferred during RAYHAK 2024: Celebrating Good Local Governance, held on October 25, 2024, at the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City. The event, which marked the culmination of the Local Government Month Celebration, brought together Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Local Resource Institutions (LRIs) to celebrate their pivotal roles in strengthening local governance and public accountability.
EVSU distinguished itself in the Local Resource Institution (LRI) category for its sustained collaboration with DILG and local government partners. Through capacity-building programs, research initiatives, and governance-related training, the University has played a transformative role in enhancing public sector efficiency, participatory leadership, and community empowerment. These partnerships reflect EVSU’s firm commitment to transparency, ethical leadership, and good governance—principles that mirror its institutional stance against exploitation, corruption, and abuse of power.
In his keynote address, DILG Region VIII Director Arnel M. Agabe emphasized the enduring importance of partnerships since the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991, acknowledging institutions like EVSU for their contributions to peace, security, and sustainable local development. The Director lauded the University for bridging the gap between government and the people through education, research, and civic engagement—hallmarks of a university deeply grounded in ethical and socially responsible governance.
EVSU President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz reaffirmed the University’s commitment to uphold integrity, transparency, and value-driven service in all its operations. He emphasized that ethical governance is not only an institutional standard but a shared responsibility that strengthens trust and accountability in all levels of public service.
This recognition from the DILG solidifies EVSU’s standing as a regional leader in promoting ethical governance and sustainable partnerships. It underscores the University’s dedication to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and moral integrity, ensuring that education and service go hand in hand in shaping resilient, empowered, and corruption-free communities in Eastern Visayas.
Project TANGKOD: Strengthening Ethical Governance and Protecting Employee and Community Rights through Free Legal Services
In alignment with its commitment to Upholding Ethical Governance and Zero Tolerance for Exploitative Practices, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), through its Non-Teaching Personnel Association (EVSU-NTPA), launched Project TANGKOD—an initiative that underscores the University’s dedication to justice, fairness, and the protection of human dignity within and beyond the workplace.
In partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Leyte Chapter, Project TANGKOD was officially launched on August 16, 2024, at the EVSU Inner Court. The project offers free legal services to the University’s Non-Teaching employees and its Extension Adopted Barangays—Barangays 43, 43-A, 43-B, 44, and 44-A—demonstrating EVSU’s dual commitment to employee welfare and community empowerment.
The initiative provides a comprehensive suite of libre serbisyo legal including:
- Legal consultations on issues such as violence against women and children (VAWC), support and custody cases, partition of estates, land and boundary disputes, succession, civil registry matters, and other civil or criminal concerns;
- Drafting of simple legal documents such as affidavits, certifications, and demand letters; and
- Free notarization of documents, excluding contracts and deeds with monetary consideration.
Through Project TANGKOD, EVSU ensures that its employees and partner communities have accessible legal support to safeguard their rights, prevent abuse, and promote social justice. The project’s name “TANGKOD,” a Waray term for uprightness or integrity—captures the essence of EVSU’s advocacy for ethical governance and principled public service.
This initiative reflects EVSU’s proactive stance in fostering an equitable and rights-based institutional culture. By partnering with the IBP, the University not only extends essential legal aid to underserved communities but also strengthens its internal mechanisms for protecting employees from coercion, exploitation, or unfair treatment.
Ultimately, Project TANGKOD reinforces EVSU’s belief that ethical governance begins with protecting people’s dignity and ensuring access to justice. It exemplifies how the University’s core values of integrity, service, and accountability translate into meaningful action—empowering both its workforce and partner communities to stand firm against exploitation and uphold the rule of law.
EVSU Strengthens Ethical Governance Through Gender Sensitivity and Safe Spaces Advocacy
In line with its strong commitment to upholding ethical governance and ensuring zero tolerance for exploitative practices, the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), under the leadership of Dr. Fatima Socorro M. Quianzon, will spearhead a transformative seminar titled “Building Safer Spaces” on November 21, 2024, at the GS Function Hall.
The seminar seeks to equip student leaders, non-teaching personnel, and GAD coordinators with essential knowledge on the awareness, prevention, and response to Violence Against Women (VAW). By creating informed and responsible advocates within the university, EVSU reinforces its institutional culture of integrity, accountability, and compassion.
Through this initiative, the university continues to champion gender equity and safeguard the rights and dignity of every member of the EVSU community. The GAD Office underscores that ethical governance extends beyond compliance—it embodies a moral duty to ensure that every EVSUnista learns, works, and leads in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.
This endeavor forms part of EVSU’s ongoing transformation toward becoming an inclusive smart university, where respect, equality, and ethical leadership remain the foundation of institutional excellence.
