The local government of Quezon City, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and members of Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) vowed to work together in the elimination of violence against women during the "Mass Pledge of Commitment" on Saturday, March 9.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, together with QCPD chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, MOVE Vice Chairperson for LUZON Donald Amado Caballero and MOVE Secretary-General Jonathan Pascual led the event at QCPD Grandstand, Camp Karingal.

The MOVE was launched on Nov. 27, 2006  through the initiative of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), formerly known as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, during the 18-day campaign to end iolence against women (VAW).

It is an organization of principled men whose members have dedicated their time to be actively involved in eliminating all forms of (VAW).

In his speech, Maranan lauded all the attendees as they pledged their commitment for the initiative.

“Ako ay natutuwa na makita ang ating mga kasamahan mula sa mga opisyal ng lungsod at bBarangay, tricycle operators, drivers, civic society organization, volunteers at syempre ang ating mga kapulisan. Nakakataba ng puso na makasama namin kayo dito upang ipakita ang inyong suporta at pagkakaisa laban sa lahat ng uri ng karahasan at pang-aabuso sa ating lungsod (I am delighted to see our colleagues from the city and barangay officials, tricycle operators, drivers, civic society organizations, volunteers, and of course, our police. It warms the heart to have you all here to demonstrate your support and unity against all forms of violence and abuse in our city), he said.

Maranan also expressed his gratitude to the office of the city mayor, vice mayor, as well as the QC Gender And Development(GAD) Council for their continued support to the initiative.

The chief also emphasized that the program will serve as proof of unity to transform the society to a better and safer community.

“Ang programang ito ay patunay lamang  na ang pagkakaisa ng lahat anumang ang kasarian ay may kakayahan tayong baguhin ang lipunan tungo sa isang makatarungan at ligtas na kapaligiran sa lahat (This program serves as proof that unity, regardless of gender, empowers us to transform society towards a just and safe environment for all),” he said.

Moreover, Mayor Belmonte pointed out that “All of these have to stop! If we are to achieve our dream of a gender equal inclusive society safe for all QCitizens.”

Belmonte also expressed her concerns towards the women who were experiencing violence and abuse.

“Bagama’t unti-unti nang natutuklasan ng mga kababaihan ang kanilang likas na kalakasan, kahusayan, at kagalingan, bumubuti na ang kanilang kalagayan at dumadami na ang kanilang pagkakataon na maiangat ang kanilang mga sarili at buhay, labis na nakakabahala at nakakaalarma pa rin ang patuloy na pagdami ng mga kaso ng karahasan at pang-aabuso sa ating mga kababaihan (Though women are gradually discovering their innate strength, competence, and excellence, their conditions are improving, and opportunities to uplift themselves are increasing, it is still deeply concerning and alarming that cases of violence and abuse against women continue to rise),” she said.

“Hindi natin ganap na maaabot ang tunay na pagkakapantay-pantay kung nananatili ang ganitong klaseng sitwasyon para sa mga kababaihan (We cannot fully achieve true gender equality if this kind of situation for women persists),” she added.

The city mayor also stressed that Women's Month is not just for women.

“Akala ng karamihan, Women’s Month is only about women. Ang buwan ng Kababaihan ay tungkol lamang sa mga babae, ngunit ngayon ang ating isinisigaw tungkol din ito sa mga kalalakihan (Most people think that Women's Month is only about women. Women's Month is not just about women, but now we are also proclaiming that it is about men),” Belmonte stated.

“Women and men are partners and allies, both men and women are needed and have to work together to make sure that gender equality is achieved,” she added.

Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), barangay chairmen, councilors, and volunteers also participated in the event.