No to violence. Yes to love and dignity!
This was the powerful message that resonated throughout the launching of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) that St. Bridget College and Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children (CPCWC) organized at the St. Bridget College Gymnasium, St. Bridget College, Batangas City, Nov. 25, 2025.
With the theme, ‘VAW Bigyang Wakas. Ngayon na ang Oras.,’ the event highlighted the importance of awareness, advocacy, and community-driven action in protecting women and children. The half-day event culminated with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with mass presider Rev. Fr. Angel Marcelo Pastor, together with Rev. Fr. Carlos Coloso.
In his homily, Fr. Angel focused on the significance of addressing VAWC in the community and fostering a safer, more aware, and engaged environment in the fight against VAWC.
In the orientation on the VAWC Campaign, SBC President Sr. Ma. Añanita Borbon, RGS, PhD, CPCWC directress, further emphasized the community’s commitment to end violence against women and children.
A key feature of the program was a talk by Sr. Ma. Ailyn Binco, RGS, SMEIDFI Link Person, titled “United for a VAW-Free Community: Empowering Voices, Ending Silence.”
Sr. Ailyn shared compelling stories of women who suffered violence yet courageously pursued cases under the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) law. Their victories demonstrate that women can stand their ground, fight for justice, and reclaim their dignity.
In her talk, she also highlighted the urgent need to confront corruption and the systemic failures that continue to put victims at risk.
As part of the session, she encouraged everyone to make a hand sign symbolizing a firm stand against VAWC, an act representing unity, awareness, and collective responsibility. Sr. Ailyn closed the session by grounding the discussion in the real experiences of many women, reminding everyone that the fight against violence begins with listening to voices that have long been silenced.
Following this, Ms. Emie Guardian, SMEIDFI Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, discussed Community-Based Interventions to End VAW.
She noted that transformation happens when communities recognize violence as both a social responsibility and a shared moral obligation, ensuring that prevention becomes part of a community’s culture and system.
Ms. Guardian outlined several key strategies that support safer and more responsive environments. She emphasized community mobilization, which involves forming partnerships with organizations, conducting training, and empowering gender advocates. She also discussed advocacy and awareness campaigns, noting the importance of using diverse platforms to spread information and encourage public engagement.
Creating safe spaces was another vital strategy, as these areas foster support groups and establish centers for women and children. She also stressed the importance of engaging men and boys, highlighting the need to educate them and increase their awareness of gender-based issues.
Additionally, she underscored capacity building, where barangay officials and community members undergo continuous training to respond effectively to cases and prevention efforts.
Ms. Guardian also presented other strategies that strengthen interventions, including annual campaigns, community pledges, school-based forums, livelihood programs, and disaster response initiatives, all of which help build a more resilient and proactive community network.
To sustain these interventions, she emphasized the principles of consistency, inclusivity, accountability, and a participatory approach. These core values reinforce the community’s long-term commitment to preventing violence against women and children.
The launching of the campaign started with the Solidarity Walk from Batangas Capitolio to the SBC Gymnasium.
Administrators, faculty, and students from St. Bridget College, CPCWC members, as well as representatives from different parishes, organizations, agencies, and schools, participated in the activity.
The participants also performed a mob dance featuring “Isang Bilyong Babae and Babangon,” symbolizing the strength of women rising together.
These activities were spearheaded by the Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children, which is led by Sr. Ma. Añanita Borbon, RGS, CPCWC directress, in corrdination with the Center for Formation and Praxis Office, headed by Mrs. Maria Socorro M. Lalap, and Mrs. Rosalie Aguila, CPCWC coordinator.
The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006.
by:
Ms. Andrea Kalalo and Dr. Imelda B. Vergara
Institutitional Research, Planning and Publications Office