CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte — Soldiers from various units under the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, actively participated in the kick-off activity of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on November 25, 2022 held at Officer’s Clubhouse, 6ID Headquarters, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao.
The activity was conducted virtually and face-to-face, led by the Gender and Development Office of 6ID. It is known that in 2006, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation 1172, which extends to 18 days the observance of violence against women. It aims to raise the awareness of all Filipinos regarding the rights of women and the laws that protect them.
The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, is one of the government agencies that supports it, and every unit of the 6ID actively participated in the opening activities of the said program.
Assistant Division Commander Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, who is the representative of Major General Roy Galido, Commander of 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, attended the opening of the program via virtual and face-to-face.
6ID Gender and Development Officer, Major Cherel Carbonilla (AGS) PA, stressed that the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is just one of the government’s programs to strengthen women’s rights. She said, “The purpose of the said endeavor is to make everyone aware, especially the men, of the negative impact of violence against women on society.” It is also a way to remind everyone of the importance of their role in ending violence against women in society.
Capt. Sheila Marie Rose Lara, Judge Advocate General Service of 6ID, explained to the participants the salient point about Republic Act 7877: The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 and Republic Act 9262: The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, while SSgt. Rose May Bulahan lectured on Gender Fair Language.
The theme for this year is “United for a VAW-Free Philippines.” This theme aims to highlight the powerful impact of combining individual efforts towards a collaborative and united thrust towards a VAW-free Philippines.
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