Councilors Celia Matea Flor, Thaddy Sayson, and Simplicia Distrito led the signing of commitment to end violence against women after the flag-raising ceremony Nov. 28 at the Bacolod Government Center.
The commitment signing officially launched Bacolod’s series of activities in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Gender Violence, that started Nov. 25. Orange ribbons also adorn the BGC, the official color of the campaign, which symbolizes hope and a future free of violence for all.
Flor, who is the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Women, Gender, Family and Childcare, said, “We continue to call for zero tolerance against any form of abuse against women and children. We have signed this commitment and we will be accountable to it and to our constituents.”
The committee, together with the Local Council against Trafficking and Violence Against Women, chaired by Mayor Alfredo Benitez, has organized various activities in line with the observance.
On Nov. 27, a self-defense class, organized by Zonta Bacolod, was conducted at the Bacolod City public plaza as part of the observance. There will also be training on gender-responsive case management for social workers, and the chairpersons of the committee on women in the barangays will be oriented on new women-related laws, Flor said in a press release.
Bacolod City employees are encouraged to wear orange every Friday until Dec. 12. A “Take Back the Night: Orange Zumba” will also be held on Dec. 12 at the BGC grounds as a culmination activity, she added. II
