As the lead agency promoting the apiculture industry in the Philippines, NARTDI also supports year-round Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives. “VAW-free community starts with Me” is this year’s 18-day (November 25 to December 12) End VAW campaign theme.

The observance of this yearly activity which contributes towards the realization of gender equality (goal number 5 of the United Nations-Sustainable Development Goals), is in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 2020-07 issued by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and by virtue of Republic Act 10398 also known as An Act Declaring November Twenty-Five of Every Year as “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.”

NARTDI shows support to the campaign by complying with PCW-suggested activities such as hanging of 2020 18-day Campaign to End VAW official streamer, creation and distribution of information education and communication (IEC) materials, participation in online campaign threads in social media accounts, and attendance to regional programs and lecture forums or online talakayan, among others that promote #OrangeTheWorld campaign.

Together with other DMMMSU and other GADvocates from DOST, ITRMC, POPCOM, PNP, BFAR, CHR, COA, DA, DENR, DFA, DOJ, NNC, TESDA, NCIP, PCC, MIA, BSP, PIA, and DSWD, all NARTDI employees joined in the virtual opening program held on November 25, 2020 via Microsoft Teams. The event was organized by the Region 1 Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE-1) and hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Regional Office 1 (DOST-RO1).

The participants actively listened to the speech of Honorable Geraldine R. Ortega, ABC President, Province of La Union, keynote speaker who highlighted the need for respect, love and understanding to prevail, to lessen any form of violence. Other topics presented were:    

• Mental Health Concerns by Ms. Maricris G. Ulep, Licensed Psychometrician and Senior Health Program Officer, Mental Health Program of the Department of Health Center for Health Development 1;
• Situation Report on VAWC: Role of PNP in the Implementation of VAW Desk Laws by PLT. Antonia J. Farol, Women and Children Protection Desck, La Union Police Provincial Office;
• Role of CHR as Gender Ombud by Atty. Anna Leah T. Romero, Comission on Human Rights Region 1; and
• RA 7877 or Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995/RA 11313 or Safe Spaces Act by Atty. Maribelle Corpuz-Uminga, Assistant Regional Prosecutor, Department of Justice Region 1.

To achieve a #VAWFreePH, the PCW enjoins the participation of everyone to help inform and educate individuals on relevant laws and guidelines that protect the welfare of girls, women and their children. (RMPajarillo)