By Nimfa L. Estrellado Board Member Dr. Kim Tan delivers the keynote message on behalf of DPWH Regional Director Engr. Ronel Tan during the ...
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| Board Member Dr. Kim Tan delivers the keynote message on behalf of DPWH Regional Director Engr. Ronel Tan during the Men’s Day Celebration in Lucena City. (Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - In the face of alarming abuse statistics, Quezon Province placed the rising cases of violence against women at the center of this year’s Men’s Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 18, turning the annual gathering into a call for stronger male involvement in prevention. Local officials, barangay VAW desk officers, and MOVE advocates filled the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City as speakers stressed that abuse remains a serious threat in many communities.
Provincial data presented during the program showed that one in five women in Quezon has experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence from a partner, while more than 8,000 abuse cases were recorded in 2023. These figures illustrate how deeply rooted the problem is across communities, affecting women from all backgrounds and age groups.
The rising case numbers also point to widespread underreporting, with many victims remaining silent due to fear, stigma, or dependence. This reality reinforced repeated calls from speakers for men to take a more active role in efforts to prevent abuse and protect survivors.
During the keynote message delivered by Board Member Dr. Kim Tan on behalf of DPWH Regional Director Engineer Ronel Tan, attendees were reminded that these statistics reflect the lived experiences of women who often endure violence without support. He said preventing abuse requires active male involvement and consistent vigilance in homes and communities.
“Ang ganitong uri ng karahasan ay walang lugar sa ating lipunan,” the message stated. “Bilang lalaki, we should move — move upang baliin ang maling kinakasanayan; move upang hamunin ang lumang paniniwala; move upang maging parte ng pagbabago.”
He stressed that the responsibility of ending abuse begins at home, where respect and accountability must be practiced every day. Tan reminded participants that men play a defining role in shaping safe environments for the women and children around them.
“Bilang lalaki po ay alam naman po natin lahat na tayo dapat ang pumoprotekta hindi lang sa ating asawa kundi pati na rin po sa ating mga anak. Ang pananahimik sa harap ng tahasang pang-aabuso ay katumbas na rin ang pagbibigay pahintulot dito,” he said.
Tan highlighted the persistence of gender bias, particularly in workplaces that continue to question women’s capability for demanding roles. He said this mindset continues to influence opportunities available to women across sectors.
“Hindi po tinatanggap ng mga boss ko ang kababaihan — kesyo baka daw mabuntis, kesyo malambot daw, hindi kakayanin mag-duty, hindi daw po kakayanin mag-opera,” he said. “Pagdating po ng 2023, halos puro babae na ang natira at sila pa ang mas matapang, mas masipag, at karespe-respeto.”
He pointed out that these shifts reflect a growing recognition of women’s abilities in fields once dominated by men, highlighting steady progress across communities today. Tan said the change shows how women excel when allowed equal space to lead and perform, proving their strength in meaningful ways.
“Ang kababaihan ay maaaring maging mahinhin, magilas, matapang, madamdamin o matipuno — dahil malaya silang ipahayag kung sino sila at ano ang kaya nila,” he added, citing Governor Helen Tan as proof of capable female leadership. “Siya ang patunay na ang isang babae ay hindi lamang nakakasabay, bagkus kayang mauna, manguna at higitan pa ang iba.”
MOVE Quezon Chapter President Bernie Torno urged participants to strengthen their involvement, saying the advocacy becomes effective only when men uphold respect and accountability in their daily lives.
Torno stressed that Men’s Day carries a clear message that requires visible commitment from communities. He said the celebration serves as a reminder that men must take an active stand against all forms of abuse.
“Ang mahalaga ay magsama-sama tayo ngayon para ipakita na ang kalalakihan ay may papel sa pagtatapos ng karahasan,” he said. “Hindi lang po ito selebrasyon, kundi panawagan para kumilos. Tayo pong mga lalaki ang dapat unang tumindig para sa kababaihan at kabataan.”
In a recorded message, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Emerlita A. Valdeavilla emphasized that ending violence begins at the community level, reminding participants that prevention starts with daily actions and local leadership. She said real progress happens when communities uphold respect, protection, and accountability for women and children.
Valdeavilla stressed that true power lies in the courage to protect others and highlighted the critical role of local leaders in curbing violence. She underscored that the fight against abuse is won not in national halls but in barangays, homes, and everyday decisions, adding that individuals must move beyond awareness toward concrete action.
DILG Cluster Head Gerardo Gabin, speaking for Provincial Director Abigail Andres, said prevention efforts rely heavily on how men demonstrate leadership within their communities. He emphasized that empowering male advocates strengthens local response systems and reinforces the message that protecting women and children is a shared responsibility.
“Malaki po ang ating gagampanang role dito — dapat tayong mga kalalakihan ay defender, protector,” he said. “Ang MOVE… dapat tayo po ay nagle-level up bilang isang movement.” He added, “Hindi po sila mahina — malakas po sila kapag kasama na tayong mga kalalakihan.”
The program also recognized municipalities that earned Highly Functional status under the 2025 LCAT-VAWC assessment, including Alabat, Atimonan, Burdeos, Candelaria, Catanauan, Dolores, General Luna, Gumaca, Ginyangan, Lopez, Makalelon, Mauban, Mulanay, and Pagbilao.
A “mob dance” capped the event, symbolizing unity among male advocates through lively, coordinated movement. As the celebration ended, speakers emphasized that reducing violence depends on consistent actions grounded in respect, empathy, and accountability.
The Men’s Day celebration forms part of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, observed annually from November 25 to December 12. The province said continued participation in the campaign helps sustain awareness and encourages communities to take concrete action throughout the year.
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