BFAR XI officially started the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in Davao City.

The “18-day Campaign to End VAWC” is held annually every Nov. 25 to Dec. 12 as mandated by Proclamation No. 1172 s. 2006, with the goal of protecting the human rights of women and children.

In light of the observance, the BFAR XI Gender and Development Focal Point System organized a series of activities, including a 2-day seminar on VAWC and Mental Health Awareness for BFAR XI employees on November 28-29, 2023 in Davao City.

Enrica Patricia Araullo, Officer-in-Charge, conveyed a message on behalf of BFAR XI OIC Regional Director Relly Garcia, reaffirming BFAR XI’s commitment to having an environment free from violence for every individual, particularly women and children, while prioritizing mental health.

Esteemed resource speakers, including Ms. Lorna Mandin from the National Gender and Development (GAD) Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women and Head of Davao City’s Integrated Gender and Development Division, Ms. Sherlyn Ann Dumalogdog, Section Head of Capability Building DSWD XI, Prosecution Atty. Aminah Balt-Guinomla from the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Davao del Sur, addressed critical topics related to VAWC, sexual harassment, and relevant laws. The practical demonstration on self-defense was provided by Davao City Police Officers led by PMAJ Gillian Rose Birondo, the Chief of Women and Children Protection Desk-PNP XI, and PCMS Jessie Azcueta, Chief of PCR Section. Meanwhile. Ms. Chenely Kaye Braceros, MPsy, RPM, and Ms. Donniella Eunice Panogan, RPm of the Department of Health XI-National Mental Health Program, discussed topics about the Trending Mental Health Issues at Work: Mind Matters-Cultivating a Positive Mental Attitude for Emotional Well-Being.

Participants also engaged in two hours of musical meditation sessions led by Mantra Night, a self-help organization in Davao City.

Sharing her takeaways from the seminar, Ms. Marche Monteron, highlighted her aspiration to disseminate the knowledge gained, especially regarding sexual harassment, VAWC laws, and other lecture topics, within her workplace in Davao de Oro.

In a closing message, Ms. Sharon Baidiango, BFAR XI GAD focal, expressed her gratitude for management support and the active involvement of BFAR XI employees in GAD-related activities.

Continuing its GAD initiatives, BFAR XI has scheduled a Gender and Development Capability Building Session and Team Building Activities for its employees on December 1, 2023, in Tagum City.