Vibrant, bright orange color signifies hope in 18-day campaign to End VAW

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)– Vibrant and bright, the orange color as used in the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) signifies optimism and hope, said Chandrae Leanne Y. Uy, Gender and Development Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) North Mindanao Field Office.

In the Talakayan sa PIA media forum at SM CDO Downtown Premier, Uy shared hope pertains to victim survivors that even with the experience that they had, such as violence, they will continue not just to live and survive but continue to flourish despite the traumatic experience.

“Aside ana, on a global scale, nga wala nay mahimong victim aning violence against women, og wala nay mag-inflict violence towards women and girls [Aside from that, no one will be a victim of violence against women, and no one will inflict violence on women and girls on a global scale],” she said.

Meanwhile, Atheneus Vasallo, regional technical director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, shared that they are seriously monitoring the trafficking of women through illegal recruitment.

“So we are very happy that we have the participation of the PESOs, or Public Employment Services Offices (PESOs), so that from the ground they can monitor. Recently, wala na kaayo ta mga [we do not have much] reports on trafficking or illegal recruitment, although naay mga balita [there are news] but not formally filed before our office,” said Vasallo.

The DOLE has come up with labor standards wherein those victims of violence against women can avail themselves of a 10-day leave. They can use their company’s leave credits after receiving certification from the barangay.

“Women should be treated with respect, especially in compliance with labor standards, meaning if men are given the minimum wage, just as women should be given the same,” said the director.

All establishments, regardless of the number of workers, should have a sexual harassment committee.

“Everytime nga naay victim for that violation or violence, naay madangpan. Dapat sa workplace, naa na siya. What is the consequence kung walay sexual harassment committee? The management will be solely liable kung unsa liability sa offender [Every time there is a victim of that violation or violence, there is refuge. It should be at the workplace. What is the consequence if there is no sexual harassment committee? The management will be solely liable for the offender’s liability],” explained Vasallo.

“We are also very active in the promotion of eliminating child labor, where we have come up with a listing for this year of 22,000,” he shared.

Although the cases are high, DOLE’s target is to provide assistance. “We are very happy that most of those profiled child laborers are actually going back to school,” he said. (JMOR/PIA-10)