NV supports campaign to end VAW

Violence against women (VAW) is not just a major public health problem but also a grave violation of human rights. It extremely manifests gender inequity, targeting women because of their subordinate status in the society. VAW is defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.” Violence and the threats of violence can be experienced by every woman of any age, skin color, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, economic, and social status.

In 2017, the National Demographic Health Survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that 1 in 4 Filipino women aged 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence from their husband or partner.

Because VAW appears as one of the country’s pervasive social problems, various measures and mechanisms have been employed and implemented to address it. One of which is the 18-Day campaign to end VAW, an advocacy campaign that is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172, series of 2006.

On November 21, 2022, the Sagguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya (SPNV) passed during its regular session, Resolution No. 2022-4380, a resolution encouraging all Novo Vizcayanos to stand up for women and children’s rights through participation in the Orange Day Campaign every 25th of November which marks the beginning of the “18-day Campaign to end violence against women”, and other activities pursuant to Proclamation No. 1172, series of 2006 from November 25 to December 12 of every year, and “National Consciousness Day for the elimination of violence against women and children” pursuant to Republic Act No. 10398. This was sponsored by Board Member Eunice Galima-Gambol, and co-sponsored by Board Members Elma Pinao-an Lejao, Eufemia A. Dacayo, and Marizel A. Reyes.

In solidarity with the campaign to end the widespread and persistent violence against women and children, the wearing of orange every 25th of November is encouraged. And, as a show of support to this endeavor, the lady legislators are encouraged to religiously practice the wearing of orange or with a touch thereof not only from November 25 to December 12 but during their sessions, meetings, and other activities to raise awareness of VAW and children’s rights.

Furthermore, all government offices in the province and its employees are also encouraged to fully support and participate in the information dissemination campaign of the resolution.

Board Member Eunice Galima-Gambol thanked all who participated in the Orange Day Campaign which symbolizes hope and future that is free from any violence against women and girls.

“Ang mga ganitong initiatives ay hindi matatawaran dahil unti-unti nating naipapakita ang buong suporta at pakikiisa ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Nueva Vizcaya sa pangunguna ng ating butihing Governor Carlos M. Padilla, ngunit hindi natatapos sa ganitong paraan lang ang ating pagtataas ng kamalayan ng bawat isa dahil sa ating pinapangarap na ligtas na lipunan, ang bawat isa ay may obligasyon na dapat gampanan at ang pagkakaisa natin ang kinakailangan. Hindi nakakadagdag s pagiging lalaki ang manakit ng bata at babae”, BM Gambol said in her speech during the signing of the Pledge of Commitment last November 28, 2022 at the People’s Stage, Capitol. #mvs

Governor Carlos M. Padilla, Vice Governor Jose V. Gambito, and SP members wear orange ribbons in support to the campaign to end VAW