The Iloilo Provincial Government capped the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with a culminating program held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Lobby.
The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in partnership with DSWD Region 6, DOH-Western Visayas Center for Health Development, and the Regional Committee on Anti- Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RCAT-VAWC), carrying the theme “Hublas ng Kamatuoran sa Pag-abuso” (Naked Truth on Abuse).
Representatives from various government agencies delivered messages of support, including the Commission on Human Rights Region 6 represented by Mr. Cris Montano, PCPT Jolly B. Canindo of the PNP Region 6 Women’s and Children Protection Desk, Atty. Mayren Abucion of DOJ Region 6, Atty. Adele Chavez of the Public Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Frances Shanelle G. Salinas of the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, and Hecelyn Peren, GAD Focal Person of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas- Iloilo.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., represented by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to protecting women and children. In his message, Banias emphasized the Governor’s marching order of “Zero Tolerance on Abuse,” stressing that violence has no place in the province of Iloilo.
A key highlight of the activity was the Pledge of Commitment, where member agencies and advocates signed the VAW Commitment Wall to symbolize their vow to help end violence against women. Members of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) and DSWD’s ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) also took part in the program, engaging the audience through the question: “What to do when you witness violence?” – encouraging community responsibility and proactive reporting.
The event reinforced the collective call to end all forms of abuses and to promote a safer, more empowered environment for women in Iloilo Province.