THE Integrated Gender and Development Division and the Department of Tourism XI opened the 18-day annual campaign to end violence against women (VAW) at People’s Park on Friday.
“This is an annual event nga ginahimo nato para i-strengthen, i-emphasize our campaign of ending violence against women (This is an annual event that we conduct to strengthen, emphasize our campaign on ending violence against women,” said Lorna Mandin, IGDD head in an interview with the City Information Office.
Among those who joined the event were members of the Barangay Council for Women, national government agencies, partners from Non-Governmental Organizations, schools, and private organizations.
Mandin said that the purpose of the program is to reiterate the commitment of the city and its stakeholders on ending VAW.
“While we have accomplishments, daghan gihapon ang kaso nga angay nato atubangon (While we have accomplishments there are still a lot of cases that we need to face),” she said as she said there is a need to discuss the issue, particularly the laws against VAW.
During the event, women who were assisted by the office made their testimonies and information materials on the issue were also shown.
Stella Garzon, Barangay Angliongto BCW president, said the campaign helps increase the awareness of everyone on all facets of the issue.
“Tungod ani kay aware ang mga kababaihan kung unsa ang amoang adtuan kung naay pareha anang bugbugon naka sa imong bana… Daghan nag aware sa role sa IGDD sa barangay. Naa gyud na sila mutabang. Ang among VAW desk officer, aware pud siya ani kung asa siya muduol (Because of this campaign the women are aware that they have a place to go, for example,” she Garzon said as she committed to help disseminate the information on the issue.
The event, which ends on December 12, is in line with Republic Act No. 10398, “An Act Declaring November 25 of every year as “National Consciousness for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.
