Tagum City—Vice Mayor Eva Lorraine Estabillo promised all women advocates and their supporters that new policies and strict enforcement of laws for the protection of women and girls can be expected from the local government unit of Tagum during the launching of the Orange Your Icon for 18 Days Advocacy last November 25, 2019.
The objective of the celebration was to find a monument or icon to decorate in orange so as to attract the public’s curiosity which would then spark the discussion about ending VAW around the world. The chosen icon in Tagum was the fountain in front of the new cityhall.
The lights that would illuminate the fountain would change into orange as a symbol of hope and a future free from VAW.
Numerous members of the community were in attendance during the launching as a sign of unity among Tagumenyos. Moreover, their attendance inculcated the idea that a VAW-free community must start within one’s self by being aware of the dire situation of women and girls and sharing it to other members of the community.
The activity started with a motorcade followed by a number of talks by various personnel such as Vice Mayor Estabillo who is the chairwoman for the Gender Equality and Development and Children and Family Social Services committee, Hon. Ronald Eliot for the welcome message from Mayor Allan L. Rellon, and PCAPT Anjanette P. Tirador of the Philippine National Police Tagum for why women must stand up against violence committed to them.
The speakers have intimated that while women had been seen as weak who need protection, the fact remains that they are stronger than how society has perceived them to be and need only to have the right laws and policies to work for them to ensure their welfare.
As promised by Vice Mayor Estabillo, the campaign won’t end within the 18 days but it must be talk about all year-round until the threat to our women and girls’ welfare is eradicated for good. #VAWfreePH.
Orange Your Icon for 18 days Advocacy is an international campaign to end violence against women around the world and will run from November 25 – December 12. The Philippines is on its third year of joining the campaign. Ziyarah Manalo/CIO Tagum
