By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Over 700 individuals participated in the “Manileñas Unity Walk for a Safe and VAW-free City, Starts with Me” conducted by the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) as part of the country's annual 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) and their children.
Members of various agencies, government departments, barangays, and hospitals joined in the unity walk from Bonifacio Shrine in Kartilya to Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Manila on Friday, Nov. 25.
MDSW Director Ma. Asuncion Re Fugoso expressed gratitude to the groups that joined them in the city walk. She also urged the attendees to raise VAW awareness.
"Kailangan natin magsalita. Ang mga babae ay nakakaranas ng iba't ibang karahasan, ito man ay pisikal, mental o emosyonal. Paano tayo makakatulong? Tayo po ay magsalita tungkol dito (We need to talk about it. Women experience various forms of violence, be it physical, mental or emotional. How can we help? Let's talk about it)," Fugoso said.
"Ito pong campaign ay hindi lamang hanggang 18 days. Ito po ay dapat araw-araw ay aware tayo, araw-araw ay lumalaban tayo. Hindi lamang sa kababaihan, kasama rin po ang LGBT (This campaign is not only up to 18 days. We should be aware of this every day, we should fight for this every day. Not only for women, LGBT people are also included)," she said.
Gender and Development Program (GAD) consultant Sheila Ferrer led the "Pledge of Commitment" to defend, enrich, and protect the rights, safety, and welfare of every woman, especially young women in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, City Councilor Krystle Bacani, Committee on Women chairperson, delivered a message about the significance and history of the campaign.
"Today, we pay tribute to the three sisters, the Mirabal sisters: Patricia Mercedes, Minerva, and María Teresa. Three political activists whose deaths were commemorated with the establishment of the international day for the elimination of violence against women," Bacani stated.
Among the groups that joined the unity walk were Manila Health Department (MHD) and City Hospitals led by Dra. Aileen Lacsamana of Ospital ng Sampaloc (OSSAM), MHD Nutrition Services, Manila Police Department (MPD), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Assessment, Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila(DTCAM) and Ang Banda ng Maynila, Barangay Liga, Manila Barangay Bureau, barangay officials, Public Recreations Bureau (PRB), Parks Development Office (PDO), Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), Division of City Schools (DCS), Manila, schools and universities, National Museum of the Philippines, National Parks and Development Committee and all Manila City Hall's departments.
The 18-day campaign to end VAW and their children is under Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 mandated by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The proclamation cited that Nov. 25 to Dec. 12 is the annual observance of the women's advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and initiate action in protecting the human rights of women against all forms of violence.