OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) — “Violence has no place in the province,” Gov. Henry Oaminal said during the launch of the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) on November 25.
Oaminal stood with the people of Misamis Occidental, alongside honored guests including former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Vice Gov. Rowena L. Gutierrez, and Representatives Jason P. Almonte and Sancho Fernando Oaminal, to kick off the province’s 18-day campaign to end violence against women and their children.
“Today’s gathering is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring that violence has no place in our province,” Oaminal declared.
This year’s theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon Na ang Oras!” serves as a rallying cry, he emphasized, urging the community to take decisive action.
The campaign also strengthens women’s economic independence through partnerships with agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), providing livelihood skills, proposal writing training, and funding for approved business proposals, paving the way for women’s empowerment.
Oaminal highlighted the Asenso Misamis Occidental Refuge (AMOR), a dedicated shelter offering support and counseling to abused children. Currently, AMOR provides a safe haven for 19 young survivors, supplying educational funding through college and a trust fund to assist with community reintegration.
As the campaign began, Oaminal called upon the community to take an active stand, emphasizing, “Your voice matters, and your actions can create meaningful change.”
With support from law enforcement and community leaders, Misamis Occidental reaffirms its commitment to a violence-free province, honoring the voices of the vulnerable and building a safer future for all.
Aligned with the 5Ms vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and joyful Misamis Occidental, Oaminal introduced the VAWC Free Campaign, known as GOV MOTABANG (Government Opposed to Violence—Misamis Occidental Tabang Alang sa Bata og Baye nga Giabusahan). This initiative empowers women through education, making helpline numbers readily available across schools and barangays. “We aim to deter abuse through quick assistance,” Oaminal noted.
Former Senator Panfilo M. Lacson commended the province for prioritizing women and youth, saying, “I salute Gov. Oaminal and the leadership for valuing the welfare of women and youth.”
Lacson also shared his heartfelt support: “What warms my heart is seeing a shared vision focused on uplifting and protecting those closest to our hearts—especially women and youth, who can soften even the toughest hearts.” (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
