Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday morning, Nov. 25, led the city government’s implementation of the “Cycle to End Violence Against Women (VAW)” 18-day campaign Year 2 with around 600 bicycles provided to female residents, police officers, ambulant vendors, lady guards, barangay safety officers and members of various groups who participated in the activity.
The ceremony for the campaign’s second year, spearheaded by the QC Gender and Development Council, was held at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle. The first “Cycle to End VAW” campaign was held in 2021.
“Ang ating pagtitipon ngayong araw sa ating campaign against violence on women ay sumasagisag sa ating kalayaan mula sa takot at pangamba (Our gathering today symbolizes our campaign against violence on women and our freedom from fear),” Belmonte said.
“Ang mga bisikleta na ito ang inyong magiging katuwang sa pagbuwag ng cycle of abuse tungo sa pantay-pantay na pagturing sa mga karapatang pantao sa lipunan (These bicycles will be your partner in breaking the cycle of abuse and in calling for equal treatment of human rights in society),” she added.
From Liwasang Aurora, Belmonte and the participants pedaled around the Elliptical Road.
According to the city government, the bike run will be conducted until Dec. 12, where the participants will traverse different assigned areas in their barangays in the coming days.
The participants also received shirts, helmets, elbow and knee pads from the city government.
Belmonte said the local government also hopes that the bicycles will help the women in supporting their families. She also lauded them for facing life’s challenges.
According to the local government, the city has recorded a total of 2,834 cases of violence against women from January to October 2022.
The mayor reminded the participants about the city’s anti-catcalling and sexual harrasment in public spaces ordinance that aims to ensure the safety of women.
She encouraged them to immediately report to the authorities if they experience any form of harassment in public.
“Wag kayong mabahala at lumabas ng buong tapang dahil kasangga ninyo kami tungo sa mapayapa at maunlad na kinabukasan kung saan pantay-pantay ang ating mga karapatan (Do not be afraid to go out into the streets bravely because we are with you towards a peaceful and prosperous future where our rights are equal),” the mayor added.
Present at the event were Councilors Dorothy Delarmente and Ellie Juan, People’s Law Enforcement Board Executive Officer lawyer Ralph Calinsan, District 4 Action Officer Al Flores, Philippine Commission on Women Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Kristine Balmes, and United for Bikers Movement Co-Founder Ms. Ann Angala.
There were male members of the City Department of Public Order And Safety and other bikers who rode their two-wheeled vehicles with the women during the activity.