THE TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines received a grant of P120,000 from the United Nations Populations Fund.

The money will be used by the university for its endeavors to stop online sexual and gender-based violence.

According to TIP, its website ‘TARA’ (Talk About Rights and Awareness) and emergency directory app ‘iSafer’ were among the 15 projects that were given grants by the UNFPA in partnership with Government of Canada, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific, Youth and Students Advancing Gender Equality, and Sowing Legacy.

“With its library of articles, videos, and exercises, TARA aims to be a ‘safe haven’ for Filipino SGBV victims and survivors,” the school said.

“The site, which is now accessible to the public via taraph.org, lists advocacy events and communities that people can join and be a part of while at the same time allowing them to report instances of abuse. A chatbot and journaling feature will soon be added to allow for online consultations with healthcare specialists,” it added.

iSafer, meanwhile, compiles Philippine emergency hotlines with focus also on SGBV.

Depending on one’s location, the app shows contact details of the nearest police desk, fire station, hospital/clinic, and even government satellite offices.

An emergency alert button that could notify authorities of one’s whereabouts is also underway, the TIP said.

Information Systems seniors Andrei Agbuya, Aldrin Asama, Jetsky Cabasal, Erika Shaina Dizon, Ricaela Glipo, Mauee Czelsie Samaniego, Alliah Santos, and Jane Sulit spent almost two months working on the “eye-opening” projects.

“It isn’t just technology we’re offering, but also advocacy. Through these initiatives, T.I.P. endeavors to assuage, if not totally eradicate, SGBV,” their mentor, Dr. Risty Acerado, said.