VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The city government of Vigan has strengthened its campaign against violence toward women and children (VAWC) by forming a new men’s organization dedicated to promoting safety, respect, and equality.
The organization, called “Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities-Men Oppose Violence Against Women Everywhere” (ERPAT-MOVE), is composed of fathers of kindergarten pupils in the city. The organization aims to raise awareness and conduct activities focused on preventing and ultimately ending VAWC in the city.
Police Staff Sergeant Mark Lee Altares was elected as the group’s president during the oath-taking ceremony held on March 6 at the Vigan Convention Center.
He pledged the organization’s commitment to serve as role models in the fight against VAWC and assured the public of their dedication to the cause.
“We should serve as role models in the fight against VAWC. Let us unite to make this possible. We want to assure women and children that we are here to help and support them,” Altares said.
Celerina Agcamara, City Social Welfare and Development Officer, shared plans to expand the initiative by forming similar organizations within the transportation sector, including bikers, riders, and the education sector, to further strengthen their outreach.
“We understand that most offenders are men, and by forming these organizations, we aim to strengthen our efforts to prevent VAWC by partnering with them. We believe that their involvement will strengthen the effectiveness of our campaign,” she said.
The formation of ERPAT-MOVE is part of Vigan City’s Women’s Month celebration, which also includes a weeklong Food and Product Bazaar featuring local goods from women’s organizations and an outreach program for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at Vigan City Jail, where free medical consultations and hygiene kits were provided.
Other scheduled activities include a Job Fair and Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening at the Vigan Convention Center on March 28.
Through the creation of ERPAT-MOVE and its month-long Women’s Month celebration, the city government of Vigan continues to demonstrate its dedication to ending violence against women and children and building a community of respect and equality. (CCMT/JMCQ/AQA, PIA Ilocos Sur)
