• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) starts today, Nov. 25, with the provincial government of Negros Occidental and local government units urging residents and employees to participate in related programs and activities.
In San Carlos, Mayor Renato Gustilo issued Executive Order No. 464 urging all government offices, both local and national, to join in the observance of the 18-day campaign until Dec. 12.
Activities include the “Orange your Icon” in public market, city hospital, LCR, public library, and City Hall; orientations/seminars on VAW or VAW-related content for LGU employees and officials, among others; zumba and film showing at the plaza; display of the campaign banner with the theme, “VAW Bigyan-Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!”; and a motorcade with barangay women leaders after the flag-raising ceremony this morning.
The campaign promotes awareness of the forms of violence that women and girls experience, provide information on the laws protecting women and girls, and feature VAW-related services that people can access and avail of; gather insights on the public’s level of awareness on VAW, especially on the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, or Republic Act No. RA9262, and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, or RA 11862; and highlight the gains and milestones in efforts to prevent and address VAW and the city’s participation in the global campaign to end it, the EO stressed.
The Victorias City government also earlier said it will launch the city-wide Orange Your Icon Movement today, and urged all city officials and employees, barangay officials, personnel of national agencies, and high school students “to wear orange to show solidarity with the campaign and to promote a strong message of zero tolerance for VAW”.
The city also asked all of its offices, landmarks, and iconic spots to be decorated with orange and for anti-VAW advocacy materials be distributed during the campaign period.
Then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 1172 in 2006, declaring Nov. 25 to Dec. 12 of each year as the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW.
RA 10398, signed by then president Benigno Aquino III in March 2013, declares Nov. 25 of each year as “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children”. | CGC
