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 a Men's Summit 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."
This summit was a key part of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, an annual advocacy campaign observed from November 25 to December 12, as mandated by Presidential Proclamation 1172 s. 2006. Aiming to create a Philippines free from violence against women, this year's campaign, with the theme "UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines" and the sub-theme "VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!", emphasizes the importance of community-wide collaboration to achieve lasting change.
To that end, the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office, headed by Ms. Sonia S. Leyson, partnered with MOVE – Quezon Federation to bring this message to the forefront. MOVE, an organization dedicated to engaging men in the fight against VAW, is led by Honorary Chairperson Ronnel M. Tan and President Bernardino Torno. Since its establishment in Quezon Province in 2007, MOVE has been instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing men to become agents of change.
"We believe that men have a crucial role to play in ending VAW," stated Tenorio, President of MOVE Quezon. "It's not just about protecting women, but also about examining our own behaviors and attitudes and promoting a culture of respect." This commitment to self-reflection and proactive change was evident in the large turnout at the Men's Summit, which included the MOVE Assembly (Men’s Day Celebration) and Barangay VAWC Desk Officers Assembly.
This event, organized jointly by MOVE and the PGAD Office, brought together approximately 2,500 MOVE members and Barangay VAWC Desk Officers from all municipalities in the province. The impressive attendance underscored the growing recognition of men's role in creating a safe and supportive environment for women and girls. "By bringing men together, we can create a ripple effect that influences families, communities, and ultimately, the entire nation," added Tenorio. "We are committed to working hand-in-hand with women to achieve a VAW-free Philippines. In the near future, we want to see even more men actively supporting women and promoting gender equality."
Adding to the momentum of the summit, Board Member Yna Liwanag announced that the province's GAD Code for 2024 had been amended. "We've strengthened the code to better address the needs of women and ensure their protection," she explained. "This includes provisions for increased support services, stricter enforcement of laws against VAW, and enhanced programs for prevention and awareness." Liwanag's announcement highlighted the province's commitment to legislative action in support of women's rights and safety.
She also took the opportunity to express her appreciation for the men in attendance: "It's truly inspiring to see so many men taking a stand and recognizing their role in creating a more equitable society. Your presence here today sends a powerful message that violence against women will not be tolerated in Quezon Province."
Further emphasizing the collective responsibility to end VAW, Board Member Angelo P. Eduarte addressed the summit with a powerful message: "For men, women and youth, today we gather to express an important message: men are against facing violence anywhere. Specifically, today we want to emphasize our stance against violence suffered by women and youth. This is one of the biggest problems in our society. A silent but deep wound that continues to destroy many families and communities every day."
Eduarte continued, "Many women and children become victims of physical, emotional, sexual and even financial abuse. As men, we have an important role to play. We cannot deny that men are often behind this. But it is also important for us to recognize that as men, we can change this story. It is not enough that we create experiences or it is our responsibility to fight this. This is wrong and to be a model of goodness and respect."
"On this occasion, today, let us not only be silent. We will act, speak and promote a world where every child and woman is digitally free and respected. Today, those who call for it will be free and respected. If we are not against experiences anywhere, we will be able to build a culture of respect, care and peace, we will be an inspiration only in words, men, let's protect each of our families, let's protect each of our women, our youth and let's advance this for the success of good families in our country." he added.
Representing Regional Director Ronnel Tan, Doc Kim Tan delivered a powerful message highlighting the urgent need to address VAW. He shared alarming statistics: "According to the data, one in five women experience emotional, physical, or sexual violence from their husband or partner. In just 2023, more than eight thousand cases of abuse have been recorded, and there are certainly more because most of us are shy or afraid to speak up or file a complaint."
Building on this stark reality, he emphasized the role of men in ending this violence: "As part of basic humanism, this type of violence has no place in our society, especially in our province. Today's program is a call for all of us, especially for men. We are part of the problem; we deserve to be part of the solution."
Doc Kim challenged men to recognize and respect women's achievements: "Let's know ourselves, the roots of gender-based violence. Challenge the old and bathe think and recognize women—they are not just women; they deserve to be loved, taken care of. Many women are rising and making their own names. There are now many women who are tired of their profession as doctors, lawyers, politicians, and other activities, especially here in our province."
He lauded Governor Helen Tan, his mother as a role model: "For the first time, we have a leader who reflects the true capabilities of women. We have a governor, Doctor Helen, the first woman governor of Quezon Province, who is honest and happy, who is capable of what men can do. Let's not remain silent; let's be strong allies of women in this fight for increased safety and honesty."
Governor Helen, in her address, stressed the pervasiveness of VAW: "We are promoting this program because we recognize that not only in our province but in every corner of our country, there are still many cases of abuse of women. Our campaign is very specific: we fight against the abuse of women."
Sharing her experience as the Regional Peace and Order Council Chair, she revealed, "When we meet to discuss problems we have in peace and order and security, violence against women is still a regular point in the reports. It's like a grade that won't go away. The PNP can attest to this. There are cases, and it is sad; according to the data, many are women, even young, ages nine and 16."
Governor Helen emphasized the various forms of abuse: "Why are those who are hurt by their spouses or partners... it's not just physical, it's emotional, mental, financial. These are forms of abuses in our society."
She called for proactive measures: "That's why here in our province, we encourage everyone, not just you. On many occasions, when I speak in front of barangay officials, guards, and others who serve in your barangays and in our community, I always reiterate this: our target is that there is nothing recorded in your barangay or in any locality that might be abuse."
Governor Helen concluded with a plea for prevention through awareness: "We need to be proactive. Even if there is a law that will punish, we don't just look at punishment; we prioritize prevention. And awareness is key to prevention. By educating our communities about VAW, we empower individuals to recognize and report abuse, and ultimately, to break the cycle of violence."
The summit served as a platform for not only speeches and discussions but also for recognizing achievements and promoting further action. The Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-VAWC chose Quezon Province to host the regional kickoff of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, further underscoring the province's commitment to addressing this critical issue. The kickoff, facilitated by Mr. Vince Villaruel and Mr. Andrew Villafuerte from DSWD Regional Office IVA, highlighted the collaborative efforts across different agencies.
Furthermore, the event featured the awarding of Highly Functional LCAT-VAWCs (Local Committee Against Trafficking - Violence Against Women and Children) by PD Abigail Andres from the DILG Regional Office IVA. The Provincial Government of Quezon and fourteen municipalities received this recognition, a testament to their effective programs addressing trafficking in person (TIP) and VAWC. This award, signed by DILG Regional Director Ariel O. Iglesia, was accepted by several Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, and Councilors, demonstrating the widespread commitment to this cause within the province.
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, featuring "Ginang VAWC Desk Officer" and "Ginoong MOVE" competitions. 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.
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