SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – In support of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), the Department of Agriculture – Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division headed by Aloha Gigi Bañaria, Gender and Development Focal System Vice-Chairperson held a seminar on December 9, 2024 at PMED Conference Room.

The one-day event was in line with the 2024 theme “VAWC Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras.” About 35 representatives from different DA operating units attended the said event.

Atty. Michelle Alen O. Callo-Alejo, Attorney IV of Commission on Human Rights 5 served as resource speaker. She provided a comprehensive discussion of Republic Act (RA) 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, which seeks to protect women and children from various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse.

In her presentation, Atty. Callo-Alejo emphasized the important role of various sectors in ensuring the proper enforcement of the laws on VAWC. She urged women and mothers to report to any authorities any form of violence they have experienced. She also talked on the challenges faced in the implementation of RA 9262 and highlighted initiatives to report cases of abuse and how to access legal and psychological support.

“Kun siisay man na igwa nin personal na kaaraman sa mga ginibong pang-aabuso sa aki, kapwa babae, kapamilya asin ka-barkada pwedeng magsangat nin reklamo huli ta ini ay sarong pampublikong krimen.” She urged any citizen having personal knowledge of violence committed may file a complaint because violence against women and their children is considered a public crime.

The 18-day campaign, which run from November 25 to December 12, was a significant annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting active measures to end it. (Angela Mae Lafuente – RAFIS 5)