Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) is one of the country’s pervasive social problems and various measures and mechanisms have been employed and implemented to address it. Proclamation 1172 series of 2006 mandated the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. It is an advocacy campaign that is observed annually from November 25 to December 12. Also, National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC under Republic Act 10398 is commemorated on November 25 of every year. This act was signed on March 19, 2013 by Former President Benigno S. Aquino III. In lieu with this, government agencies are mandated to raise awareness on the problem of violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and children. On November 19, 2021, PSA Davao del Sur conducted an Orientation Webinar on RA 9262 also known as Anti-VAWC Act of 2004.

The event was conducted as an advanced commemoration of the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC under Republic Act 10398 commemorated on November 25 of every year. Moreover, under Proclamation 1172 series of 2006 the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is observed annually from

November 25 to December 12. It was conducted via Zoom Conference. The program hosted by Ms. Marcy Mae Santillan officially started at 9 am and ended at 11 am. The activity started with an opening prayer followed by the singing of the national anthem. After all the preliminary opening, an opening message was given by the Chief Statistical Specialist Randolph Anthony B. Gales.

It was then followed by the introduction of the speaker delivered by Engr. Xandra Riccia Venus, the focal person of the said event. The resourcespeaker Ms. Reina Grace Agdon-Ureta then started her discussion by answering the question CSS Gales mentioned on his message as to why Violence against Men does not exist. She said that the reason behind its non-existent is that only few men raised their concerns. However, this concern was already raised in the House of Representatives. The resource speaker then discussed the women’s rights instruments from Local Ordinances to international Treaties, Conventions, and Declarations. Next, she elaborated the gender-based violence, the realities of GBV (DCPO, IGDD), institutions that shaped socialization, RA 9262 or the Anti VAWC Act, what can be done to combat VAW, and Post-test or key messages. On the latter part of the discussion, Ms. Agdon-Ureta presented the contact information on where to get help regarding VAWC concerns.

Following the discussion is the open forum wherein CSS Gales asked if the IGDD have a consolidated report of the VAWC cases and if the PSA could have a copy of it. Ms. Agdon-Ureta answered that they have a complete report of the cases but only those that were raised in their office, however, she promised to share the information or data to the PSA as soon as they have it all. She added that their office is willing to work with PSA to generate data regarding this aspect of the local government. Lastly, the certificate of appreciation was awarded to the resource speaker and the participants have a photo opportunity with the speaker through screenshots of the zoom conference. Engr. Venus, the focal person of the event then gave her closing remarks expressing her gratitude to the speaker and to all the participants.

The event ended successfully having imparted new necessary information to raise awareness about Violence Against Women and Children. This accentuates that being a government employee does not limit to accomplishing the job description but also having a compassionate heart that cares on what is going on in the society and helps in promoting peace and unity.

Approved for release by:

RANDOLPH ANTHONY B. GALES

Chief Statistical Specialist

Davao del Sur Provincial Statistical Office

For further inquiries, you may contact:

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY – DAVAO DEL SUR

3^rd Floor, JM Agro Building

Governor Sales Street, Davao City, Davao del Sur

Telephone Number: (082) 225-0172

Email Address:psadvsur@yahoo.com

Website: http://rsso11.psa.gov.ph/davao-del-sur