The activity, which is spearheaded by the Regional Inter-agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC), aims to empower women with the knowledge to navigate legal and social systems, with a focus on safeguarding their health and safety during pregnancy.

Expert speakers at the event included Joy Dyana Cervantes of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga, who discussed health and legal protections for pregnant women, and April Joy Barrios of Balay Mindanaw Foundation, who shared strategies for empowering women and fostering community-based support networks. Other speakers included social worker Bernape Bantayan from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Carolina Tambuli of the Philippine Statistics Authority, who provided information on social welfare programs and the importance of civil registration.

The event concluded with a call for continued education and advocacy to protect women’s rights and eliminate violence against women.

The symposium featured messages from local officials, including Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Gina Ceballos, chair of the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-VAWC), who emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns in combating violence against women. Avalota Cejas, representing Governor Santi Cane Jr., also highlighted the need for collaboration between local government, social service agencies, and women’s rights advocates to create a safer environment for women in the province.

The event underscored the collective efforts required to protect and promote the rights of women, especially those in vulnerable situations like pregnant women. By equipping participants with vital legal knowledge and connecting them with key resources, the forum marked a significant step toward building a more informed and supportive community.