By Nimfa Estrellado A Men's Walk from Pacific Mall Lucena to Quezon Convention Center, along with a creative Tiktok VAWC contest, capped...
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| A Men's Walk from Pacific Mall Lucena to Quezon Convention Center, along with a creative Tiktok VAWC contest, capped off a powerful summit against violence towards women in Quezon Province on November 28, 2024. (Photo from Pacific Mall Lucena) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Thousands of men and women gathered in Quezon Province on November 28 for addressing violence against women (VAW). Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan, the province's first female governor, delivered a powerful message, stating, "Our strength as men lies in protecting and empowering women, not in dominating or harming them."
The occasion was a Men’s Summit, serving as a key event in the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. This annual advocacy campaign, mandated by Presidential Proclamation 1172 s. 2006, highlights the critical role men play in creating a society where women and girls are safe and empowered. The summit also coincided with Men’s Day celebrations, adding further significance to the gathering.
This year’s campaign, with the theme “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines” and the sub-theme “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!”, underscored the importance of collective action in achieving this goal. This collective spirit was evident throughout the summit, starting with the collaboration between the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office, led by Sonia S. Leyson, and MOVE – Quezon Federation.
MOVE, which stands for Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere, is an organization dedicated to mobilizing men as advocates for women’s safety and equality. Under the leadership of Honorary Chairperson Ronnel Tan and President Bernardino Torno, MOVE has been a driving force in Quezon Province since its official recognition in 2007.
“We believe that men have a crucial role to play in ending VAW,” stated Bernie Tenorio, President of MOVE Quezon. “It’s about more than just protection; it’s about men actively examining their own behaviors and attitudes, and promoting a culture of respect.”
This commitment to self-reflection and proactive change was palpable at the summit, which drew an impressive crowd of approximately 2,500 MOVE members and Barangay VAWC Desk Officers from across the province. “This summit is not just about gathering; it’s about sparking a movement,” Tenorio added. “By engaging men in this conversation, we create a ripple effect that positively influences families, communities, and ultimately, the entire nation.”
“We are committed to working alongside women to achieve a VAW-free Philippines,” Tenorio affirmed. “Our vision is to see more men actively championing women’s rights and gender equality.” This message of partnership and shared responsibility resonated with the attendees, who represented a diverse cross-section of the community.
Adding to the momentum of the summit, Board Member Yna Liwanag announced significant amendments to the province’s GAD Code for 2024. “We have strengthened the code to better address the needs of women and ensure their protection,” she explained. “This includes increased support services, stricter enforcement of laws against VAW, and enhanced programs for prevention and awareness.”
Liwanag’s announcement underscored the province’s dedication to legislative action in support of women’s rights and safety. She also expressed her appreciation for the men participating in the fight against VAW: “It’s truly inspiring to see so many men taking a stand and recognizing their role in creating a more equitable society.”
Continuing on this theme of collective responsibility, Board Member Angelo P. Eduarte delivered a stirring speech, emphasizing the devastating impact of VAW. “This is one of the most pressing issues in our society,” Eduarte stated, “a silent but deep wound that continues to afflict families and communities.”
He continued, “Many women and children suffer from physical, emotional, sexual, and even financial abuse. As men, we have a crucial role to play in changing this narrative.” He challenged the men in the audience: “We cannot deny that men are often the perpetrators of this violence. But we must also recognize that we have the power to rewrite this story.”
Doc Kim Tan, representing Regional Director Ronnel Tan, echoed this sentiment and highlighted the urgency of addressing VAW. He shared sobering statistics: “One in five women experience some form of violence from their partner. In 2023 alone, over eight thousand cases of abuse were recorded, and this is likely an underestimation due to underreporting.”
He then directly addressed the men in the audience: “This violence has no place in our society. Today’s program is a call to action for all of us, especially men.” Shifting to a message of hope and inspiration, Tan praised the progress made in Quezon Province, particularly highlighting the leadership of Governor Helen Tan.
Governor Tan, drawing on her experience as the Regional Peace and Order Council Chair, provided a sobering perspective on the pervasiveness of VAW. “Violence against women remains a persistent issue, appearing consistently in our peace and order reports,” she stated. “It’s a problem that affects women of all ages, even young girls.”
She stressed the importance of a multifaceted approach: “Abuse is not just physical; it can be emotional, mental, or financial. We must be vigilant in identifying and addressing all its forms.” Governor Tan concluded with a powerful message of prevention: “We must prioritize prevention through awareness.”
“By educating our communities about VAW, we empower individuals to recognize and report abuse, breaking the cycle of violence and fostering a culture of respect,” she explained, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address the root causes of VAW.
The summit extended beyond speeches and discussions, encompassing recognition of achievements and calls for further action. Significantly, Quezon Province was chosen by the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-VAWC to host the regional kickoff of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW.
This event, facilitated by Vince Villaruel and Andrew Villafuerte from DSWD Regional Office IVA, highlighted the province’s commitment to combating VAW on a broader scale. The summit culminated in the awarding of Highly Functional LCAT-VAWCs (Local Committee Against Trafficking - Violence Against Women and Children) to the Provincial Government and fourteen municipalities.
This award, signed by DILG Regional Director Ariel O. Iglesia, celebrated their effective programs addressing trafficking and violence against women and children. The awards ceremony showcased the collective efforts of local leaders and communities in Quezon Province, demonstrating a united front against VAW.
Finally, to further engage the community and promote awareness, the summit concluded with a Men’s Walk from Pacific Mall Lucena to Quezon Convention Center and a Tiktok VAWC contest. The contest featured “Ginang VAWC Desk Officer” and “Ginoong MOVE” competitions, encouraging creative expression and community involvement in the fight against VAW.
These activities symbolized the collective movement towards a VAW-free Quezon Province and served as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer and more equitable society. The energy and enthusiasm of the participants underscored the message that ending VAW is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing commitment and action from all members of the community.
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