OPINION CCP releases ‘Safe Spaces’ handbook; Lacuesta’s writing masterclass

EVEN as we approach the mid-2020s, our society still contends with issues and concerns of workplace violence and harassment.

While seminars regarding these are common abroad, particularly in the light of #MeToo, they are by no means usual or mandatory here.

Thus, any effort toward bridging this gap and providing more information about how to understand these topics and conduct one’s self in regard to these matters in the workspace is most welcome and could serve as an example to other employers and organization leaders.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) broke new ground in this aspect with its trailblazer project for the art industry -the CCP Safe Space Handbook, released last June 21 as an ebook that may be downloaded by the public for free (see culturalcenter. gov.ph.).

Edited by the CCP Gender and Development (GAD) Committee and CCP GAD Technical Working Group, organized by the CCP Yakap Committee, and written by Cindy Cruz-Cabrera, the CCP Safe Space Handbook presents guidelines on setting up a workplace free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation.

Why is it important to make work spaces (and other spaces) safe in all aspects for everyone?

The purpose of the event is to recognize and encourage the production of books that are of excellent quality in all aspects of bookmaking, from content production (writing and editing), book production (printing, binding, etc.), and book design

“Safe work spaces respect, protect, and fulfill human rights,” Cabrera wrote in her introduction to the Handbook.

“In order for a workspace to truly be safe, it must have policies, measures, and mechanisms that guarantee its workers their human rights and occupational safety, and safeguard all aspects of health and well-being.”

The CCP Safe Space handbook emphasizes the need to establish and maintain safe work spaces for artists, who comprise one of the most vulnerable work sectors worldwide.

The book sets out principles, concerns, and considerations for safeguarding the rights and well-being of its patrons and audiences.

“We aim to make CCP a space where every artist can freely express themselves with the assurance of being valued and respected in every aspect, where they can report any concern without fear of reprisal and judgment,” said CCP president Margarita Moran-Floirendo.

The Handbook also promotes safe physical and virtual work spaces across all industries and sectors so that they may respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.

The book is therefore even more relevant, timely, and functional because it can be used as an exemplar by any company or organization.

The 137-page ebook contains a primer of core concepts about safe spaces and work spaces (and the difference between them), a list of Philippine laws on the subject, a general code of conduct and safety protocols,