The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, as the chair of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking-Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-VAWC), in coordination with the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) chaired by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), is one with the nation in commemorating the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).

This year’s participation of DSWD and RIACAT-VAWC, together with its different partner-agencies, started with a thanksgiving mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, Butuan City, followed by a motorcade; bannering the orange icon that represents hope and a future free from violence against women and children on November 25, 2021.

RIACAT-VAWC Chairperson, DSWD, OIC-Regional Director, Ramel F. Jamen, showed his utmost support to the campaign by taking part in the kick-off activity (Kapehan sa SM) hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, at SM Butuan City.

“Part sa atong kampanya, atong pahinomdoman ang tanan nga dili lang ang gobyerno ang adunay responsibilidad sa pag undang niining VAW. Matag-usa kanato, adunay responsibilidad. Nanawagan ko nga magtinabangay kita aron mamahimong VAW-FREE and tibook rehiyon sa Caraga,” Jamen stated.

(As part of our campaign, let us remind everyone that it is not only the government who is responsible for ending VAW. Each one of us has a responsibility. I encourage everyone to contribute in the goal of being a VAW-FREE Caraga Region)

In hopes of ending VAWC, Jamen reiterated that RIACAT-VAWC’s mission is to protect the rights of every woman, child, and members of the LGBTQIA+ by raisraising awareness through conduct of information drives and forums that highlights the common goal of totally ending VAWC.

Furthermore, members of RIACAT-VAWC, comprised of different government agencies concerned with the implementation of the Anti-VAWC law, including the DSWD Protective Services Chief, Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, pledged their commitment to support the advocacy by signing in the Safe Spaces Act wall at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Government Center, Tiniwisan, Butuan City.

The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW advocates the theme, “VAW-Free Community Starts with ME,” is annually celebrated, with the aim to raise greater public awareness on issues faced by women and children and encourages everyone’s commitment in ending VAW.

This year’s campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313 or SSA), An act Defining Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Streets, Public Spaces, Online, Workplaces, and Educational or Training Institutions, Providing Protective Measures and Prescribing Penalties thereof.#