Men opposed to violence drive launched in Subic

Men opposed to violence drive launched in Subic

SUBIC, Zambales: A total of 151 participants attended the first Men Opposed to Violence Against Women (VAW) Everywhere (MOVE) campaign recently held here.

Themed “Kalalakihan Laban sa Karahasan sa Kababaihan,” the campaign was primarily organized to involve more men to help end VAW.

Amethya de la Llana, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee head, said the staging of the MOVE campaign 2022 is in support of the national government’s call to make the Philippines VAW-free by encouraging men to respect women by protecting them and eliminating violence.

De la Llana disclosed that MOVE 2022 also drew attendees from Olongapo City, aside from SBMA employees. Out of the 151 participants who attended, 63 percent (or 96 participants) were male.

“We are glad that there were more males than females in attendance because this campaign is intended for them. Because to eliminate VAW in our society, we need their help,” de la Llana said.

“We all envision a society where everyone has the right to live in a gender-equal and violence-free society,” she added.

As part of the MOVE campaign program, Rey de Guia, MOVE national president, discussed the “Safe Spaces Act” (Bawal Bastos Law) or Republic Act (RA) 11313, which covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, and online spaces.

Also as a refresher, Pastor Francis Mercado, MOVE vice president for Luzon, discussed RA 9262 or the “Anti-VAWC Law.” Online sexual exploitation of children was also discussed with Glenn de Guzman of the Local Activation and Partnerships-International Justice Mission as resource person.

Olongapo City Councilor Lugie Lipumano and Olongapo City VAWC Association President also shared their insights about protecting women and children against violence.

As the program ended, de Guia led the participants into pledging their commitment to end VAW, and thereafter launched a signature campaign.

Meanwhile, DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA GAD coordinator, said that there will be a unique anti-VAWC campaign in November as the technical working group continues to raise awareness about VAWC.

He added that the upcoming anti-VAWC campaign would be in the form of a theater festival.