DepEd Region 1 Kicks-off 18-Day Campaign to End VAW

City of San Fernando, La Union – Before the break of dawn, employees from the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 1 along with the participating agencies convened together for the Unity Walk in support with the 18-Day Campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) celebration at the San Fernando City Plaza on November 25, 2016.

The unity walk started from the San Fernando City Plaza heading to the La Union Provincial Capitol down to the DepEd Regional Office 1 and followed by zumba. The activity brought enthusiasm to all the participants to continue with the advocacy to live up with this year’s theme, “VAW-free community starts with me.”

DepEd Region 1 Director, Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio thanked all the participating employees from this region namely, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Health (DOH), Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Commission on Population (PopCom), and La Union Schools Division Office for actively joining the activity.

Dr. Arlene A. Niro, Education Program Supervisor and Region 1 Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator gave an orientation on the campaign to end VAW. Dr. Niro stressed on everyone’s commitment and contribution in ending VAW. Workshops on VAWC were also conducted after the orientation.

The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern to be able to achieve a community that is free from VAW.

DepEd steads firm with its commitment to support the campaign through imparting the advocacy in schools thus instilling the importance of mutual respect for human rights of everyone.