By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has called for a citywide mobilization in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) this year, urging all local government offices and barangays to take an active role in awareness and advocacy activities from November 25 to December 12.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor, chairperson of the committee on women, gender, family, and childcare, encourages the city government to lead the city’s participation in the nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
Flor said the annual campaign — mandated under Proclamation 1172 — is a crucial platform for strengthening advocacy, fostering community involvement, and reaffirming the country’s commitments under key national laws such as Republic Act (RA) 9262 (Anti-VAWC Act) and RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), as well as global frameworks including the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Under the resolution, all city departments and barangays are encouraged to integrate VAW-related messages into their regular activities, particularly in flag-raising ceremonies, where offices may play the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang and recite the Prayer to End VAW.
Government offices and partner institutions are likewise urged to prominently display the official campaign banner to boost visibility and public awareness.
Online participation forms a significant component of this year’s push, with the City Council urging stakeholders to upload PCW materials, use the #VAWfreePH hashtag, adopt the official profile frame, and share approved digital stickers and content.
Orange Movement
As part of the global tradition associated with VAW prevention, the city also encourages institutions to participate in the #OrangeYourIcon Movement, lighting up buildings, landmarks and public spaces in orange — a color symbolizing hope and the collective call to end violence against women and girls.
City offices and partner institutions may also mount Orange Exhibits, featuring local programs, initiatives and milestones in addressing VAW.
Flor emphasized the value of accessible and inclusive information campaigns, urging stakeholders to disseminate updated PCW-produced informational materials, which may be translated into local languages to ensure broader community reach.
She also encouraged the showing of PCW advocacy videos in public spaces, offices, digital platforms, and electronic billboards to maximize impact.
Schools and barangay councils are further encouraged to hold orientations, learning sessions and other community-based activities to strengthen local understanding of VAW prevention and women’s rights.
Flor said the strengthened citywide participation aims to foster a “VAW-free community” and ensure that Bacolod remains aligned with national and global commitments to protect women and girls.
“The campaign is not just about compliance,” Flor said.
“It is about mobilizing every sector to help build a community where women and girls can live free from violence, discrimination and fear,” she added.
The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is observed nationwide every year and serves as a major platform for uniting government and civil society in advancing gender equality and safeguarding human rights./CJ, WDJ