In a resounding call for solidarity, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continues to campaign against all forms of violence against women (VAW) in its 18-day initiative held recently. The said initiative was the second installment to the six-year national campaign with the theme “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines.”
The Council launched a series of activities from November 25 to December 13 to raise awareness and call for action against VAW. A program was held on November 28 to officially launch the campaign, which was participated by PCAARRD’s top management and staff.
In the program’s opening message, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD's Executive Director and Chairperson for the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), emphasized the Council's unwavering dedication to prioritizing gender and development in PCAARRD's programs, projects, and policies. He highlighted that PCAARRD has been steadfast in its efforts to further enhance gender mainstreaming in the AANR sectors, including inclusivity and sustainability in the services offered to its stakeholders. The program proceeded with the signing of the end VAW advocacy wall, led by PCAARRD's division directors, symbolizing the Council's commitment to upholding its community, free from all forms of violence.
Other campaign activities include Orange Tuesdays and the Kapehan at End VAW Exhibit on Wednesdays. The exhibit featured the history and milestones of the Philippines' End VAW campaign since its inception in 2002 and introduced the VAW Quiz to reinforce understanding of the campaign. Bulletins and the LED wall showcased related materials and content, supplementing the Council's information drive about the end VAW campaign. DOST-PCAARRD actively engaged in the Orange Your Icon campaign, wherein iconic areas in PCAARRD, such as the Offering statue, were decorated with orange symbols and lanterns to draw public attention to the campaign.
The end VAW campaign carried out a three-part contest series, which included an essay writing contest, decoration of PCAARRD Division offices, and “Top MOVErs” or Men Against Violence Everywhere, in search of PCAARRD’s first “kaVAWlikat” division awardee. The general theme of the campaign served as the topic for the essay writing contest, while the Top MOVErs contest recognized the division with the most active and participative MOVErs. The most participative division throughout the campaign received the kaVAWlikat Award.
The 18-day campaign concluded formally on December 13, 2023, with several culminating activities, including the kaVAWlikat Awarding, a film showing, and a zumVAW session. The Agricultural Resources and Management Research Division was honored as the leading kaVAWlikat division, making it the first recipient of the award.
Throughout the years, DOST-PCAARRD has been conducting activities that promote gender equality and gender mainstreaming in the AANR sector. These activities reflect PCAARRD’s collective efforts that serve as the building blocks in making the Council a true champion of a VAW-free country.
DOST-PCAARRD staff post messages on the end VAW Advocacy wall to express personal messages against VAW. (Image credit: Paul Czesar T. Katimbang, DOST-PCAARRD)
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (recorded video) enjoined DOST-PCAARRD staff to participate in the Council’s 18-day Campaign to end Violence Against Women. (Image credit: Paul Czesar T. Katimbang, DOST-PCAARRD)