On November 25, 2020, DMMMSU Gender and Development (GAD) advocates participated in the opening program of the 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and their children. The virtual kick-off ceremony held via Microsoft Teams, was organized by the Region 1 Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE-1) led by Ms. Perla A. Sotelo, RAGE-1 President and DMMMSU GAD Focal Person. It was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Regional Office 1 (DOST-RO1).

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” mandates government agencies to raise awareness on children and women’s rights and fundamental freedoms, to eliminate discrimination; hence, achieve gender equality which is the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal number 5 .

Honorable Geraldine R. Ortega, ABC President of the Province of La Union was the keynote speaker of said event which was participated in by various agencies in Region 1 namely: DMMMSU, DOST, ITRMC, POPCOM, PNP, BFAR, CHR, COA, DA, DENR, DFA, DOJ, NNC, TESDA, NCIP, PCC, MIA, BSP, PIA, and DSWD.

In Ortega’s speech, she emphasized the significance of respect, love and understanding between women and men to minimize or prevent any form of violence. The following topics were also presented during the GADvocacy dialogue:

• 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.

This 18-day (November 25 to December 12) campaign aims to promote awareness on the forms of violence women and girls experience, provide information on laws protecting women and girls, feature VAW-related services that people can access and avail of, promote the strengthening of a prevention and response system on VAW, and gather public support for the campaign.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) announced that this year’s theme is “VAW-free community starts with Me.” It highlights the challenges of strengthening functionality of VAW Desks and capability of Officers in handling VAW cases. PCW solicits the participation and support of all men and women for this advocacy to succeed.

Together, let us #OrangeTheWorld and help achieve a #VAWFreePH. (RMCPajarillo)