The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority through the leadership of Secretary Raul L. Lambino joined in the nationwide kick start of Philippine Commission on Women’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) this morning, November 25, 2020 via zoom in all its CEZA Offices with the theme, “VAW-Free Community Starts with Me”.

The PCW’s 2020 crusade highlights their advocacy where everyone is encouraged to share their activities online through the use of official hashtag: #VAWFreePH and making their posts public to generate traction online, use of 18-Day Campaign to End VAW Facebook Profile Frame available through their FB page and to feature the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW in all websites and social media accounts of the different organizations.

The opening program started with the singing of the national anthem with an all-women cast music video that features women representing the different sectors and commending their key contributions in history and present Juanas’ different roles in the society. Also included is the simultaneous prayer for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) for the Almighty Father to grant His people the strength to stand up against all forms of violence happening to women and girls, the sharpness to recognize a silenced victim of VAW, the courage to speak up against VAW, the resourcefulness to help a victim of VAW, and the resolve to never commit any form of VAW.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Leonardo C. Cruz, Head Technical Assistant and Officer-In-Charge of the Cagayan Offices as he represents the Secretary emphasized that CEZA strongly supports the advocacy to end VAWC, a campaign that is being observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006.

“As one of the major duty-bearers in the Cagayan Valley Region, CEZA condemns all forms of violence against women and children, especially those committed during the height of COVID-19 pandemic and the recent disasters that beleaguered Cagayan”, Mr. Cruz said.

He also said that CEZA shall commit to further strengthen its partnership with the local government units around the zone to improve the quality of life of the men and women of Cagayan Valley Region.

The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

In closing, Mr. Cruz encouraged everyone to think of ways on how to end the spread of VAWC in their community and their society, to be responsible enough in extending their help to the victims and to make a stand against this act of human rights violation- “Let us all vow to end VAW!”