BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Regional Committee Against Trafficking-Violence Against Women and their Children-Cordillera Administrative Region (RCAT-VAWC CAR) recognizes the role of men in championing women’s rights and the importance of volunteerism.
In reaffirming a venue for men to be involved in the advocacy and in commemoration of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and children (VAWC), RCAT-VAWC CAR initiated the 1st Regional Learning Conversation for Men Opposed to Violence against women Everywhere (MOVE) officers and representatives in Baguio City on Dec. 11, 2024.
RCAT-VAWC-CAR secretariat Joyce Ayasao said the event aims to discuss the importance of anti-VAWC commitments and the elimination of gender-based violence in the Cordillera through orienting existing MOVE groups as well as organizing MOVE groups in local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs), private sectors, and academe.
MOVE is an organization of men with officers abiding by laws, in which their activities are related to the elimination of violence and extending services to the victims or survivors.
Police Regional Office Cordillera MOVE President PMaj. Willy Dumansi shared the history and accomplishments of MOVE in the PNP, the updated MOVE officers, and members.
He cited that the three top public crimes in their data are rape, violation of Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, and violation of RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
According to Dumansi, the organization of MOVE especially in LGUs is a big help in the anti-VAWC campaign.
“It’s a big help kasi we are aiming to raise the awareness of the community and through these MOVE chapters in the LGUs, they are a big help in the awareness of the campaign with regards to this violence against women and their children,” he said in an interview.
He also called on MOVE officers to continue to move in the spirit of volunteerism.
“I urge you to actively participate sa mga activities natin in relation sa 18-day campaign against VAW. And not only during this 18-day campaign but continuously engage yourself in activities such as dialogues and other awareness campaign with regards to this violence against women so that we can really prevent and we can really decrease these crimes in relation sa gender-based,” Dumansi added.
Ulysses Dalog, an advocacy specialist of the Child and Family Service Philippines Incorporated (CFSPI), said the event is important in informing and encouraging men to join the move to end VAWC.
“Since MOVE is all about men opposed to violence against women everywhere, it is important na mainform-man at least kung hindi man sila magiging member ng MOVE, at least mainform man lahat ng kalalakihan, hindi necessary na fathers, that there is a movement na nagsasabing itigil na ang violence sa mga kababaihan at mga bata,” Dalog said.
During the event, the participants from various regional line agencies, local government units, academe, and civil society organizations vowed to end VAWC by signing a commitment pledge. (JDP/DEG/Betha Servito- PIA CAR-SLU intern)
