BAGUIO CITY – Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC-CAR) concluded the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) with a closing program held on December 13, 2024 at Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City.
Director Maria Aplaten of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Chairperson of RGADC-CAR opened the event with a powerful reminder that the fight to end VAWC is far from over. She emphasized that the campaign’s goals must extend beyond the 18 days, urging participants to make these principles a daily commitment.
“HOPE – Harness our collective strength, Open our hearts and minds, Provide support and protection, and Empower communities to act. Hope is not just a sentiment; it is an action, a commitment, and a beacon that guides us forward,” Aplaten said.
Assistant City Prosecutor Ruth Bernabe also delivered a compelling message, reflecting on the campaign’s progress since its inception in 2004. She raised the question of whether meaningful changes have been achieved and cited 2022 statistics revealing that one in five women still experiences violence. Bernabe stressed the importance of starting change within ourselves, calling for an end to victim-blaming and highlighting the significance of self-love as a way to prevent violence, which she emphasized can never be justified.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture–Cordillera conducted several activities throughout the campaign, each designed to promote awareness and action. One notable activity was the Orientation on the Organization of Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) and Gender Sensitivity Seminar, where male employees were introduced to the MOVE organization, its core policies, and the process of drafting their own constitution and by-laws.
Another activity was the Children’s Agricultural and Environmental Educational Guided Tour, which gave children hands-on experience in plant propagation at the Bureau of Plant Industry Compound. The tour aimed to enhance environmental awareness and support the mental well-being of the participants.
The agency’s final activity for the campaign was a seminar on self-defense techniques combined with discussions on the VAWC Act and the Anti-Bastos Law. The resource speaker provided demonstrations and practical tips for participants to handle various situations effectively.
In conclusion, the real success of the campaign lies in sustaining its principles and turning them into continuous action, ensuring a safer and more equitable society for all. By Alyssa Dawn Alalag
