Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, together with the Provincial Council for Women and Provincial Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography and VAWC, led the opening of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday.

The activity is themed, “VAW-free Community Starts With Me.”

In his message, Lacson reiterated that under his watch, Negrense women will always have a fighting chance and shall be treated without prejudice.

“Society can never be really progressive until the rights of women are rightfully accorded the import and value it deserves,” he said.

He also said that the provincial capitol will be lighted orange to signify that the entire province is one with the international movement to end violence against women (VAW).

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chairman of the Senate Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations, also gave an online inspirational message during the program.

The Provincial Capitol Committee on Decorum and Investigation chaired by Atty. Julie Ann Bedrio took their oaths of office before Lacson, as part of the program, while Dawn Marie Castro, member of PILIPINA National Council, gave a briefing on the “Bantay Bastos” Campaign.

Meanwhile, Lacson turned over P500,000 to the Negros Occidental Girls Scouts Council for their various programs and projects in the province./WDJ