THE PAMANTASAN ng Lungsod ng Maynila named its gender and development section after the first Martial Law victim — Liliosa ‘Lilli’ Hilao.

The virtual launch of the Lilliosa Hilao Gender and Development Corner was attended by relatives of Hilao, along with members of the PLM Board of Regents and student leaders.

The center located at PLM’s Celso Al Carunungan Memorial Library has various materials that promote gender equality.

PLM President Emmanuel Leyco said that Hilao is an icon of empowerment.

“Liliosa Hilao remains relevant today. We look up to her as an icon of empowerment. More than gender emancipation, she exemplifies how the youth can spark important conversations on human rights, equality, and justice,” Leyco said.

Hilao was an editor of PLM’s student publication and held various positions at its student government.

She was nabbed by the Philippine Constabulary’s Anti-Narcotics Unit in April 1973 after the latter failed to arrest her brother, an engineer and an activist.

When her body was found, it bore marks of torture and rape.

PLM Regent Wilma Galvante remembered Hilao for her sense of justice. She shared that their class wore black armbands during their graduation in honor of Lilli.