In a display of collective action, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Gender and Development Focal Point System (PCAF GAD FPS) took its commitment to ending Violence Against Women (VAW) straight to the grassroots.
Joining the national observance of the 18-day Campaign to End VAW, from November 25 to December 12, 2025, PCAF zeroed in on the critical need for community-level education and empowerment.
As part of the campaign’s recurring theme for 2022-2027, “UNITEd for a VAW-free Philippines,” the agency highlighted the transformative potential of coordinated action.
The heart of PCAF’s campaign activities was an orientation and learning session conducted on December 9, 2025, at the Emilio Jacinto National High School for one of the communities in Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
The initiative was made possible through a multi-sectoral collaboration, bringing together the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP WCPC), Rotary Club (RC) of Pasong Tamo-Banlat, and the local government unit of Brgy. Pasong Tamo.
The session, composed of mothers, many of whom brought their children, was a reminder of the intergenerational impact of VAW.
Patrolman John Darcy Palomares from the PNP WCPC “Aleng Pulis” program provided a sensitive discussion on the international and national legal framework that forms the basis of the government’s anti-VAW efforts.
Ptrlmn. Palomares navigated the delicate topics, making them accessible to the community attendees. His presentation covered the definition of victims and perpetrators, the various forms and acts of violence against women and their children, understanding battered woman syndrome, and most importantly, what a woman and her child/children can do to seek help and protection.
He also presented the duties and responsibilities of the barangay and local law enforcers, ensuring participants knew where and how to access support within their community.
“Ito ay hindi lamang isang lecture…narito tayo upang armasan ang ating mga sarili ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga batas na nagpoprotekta sa kababaihan at kabataan, at impormasyon tungkol sa mga serbisyong suporta na makukuha mismo sa ating komunidad kapag kailangan ng tulong,” said PCAF Deputy Executive Director Julieta Opulencia.
The Rotary Club of Pasong Tamo-Banlat also extended a helping hand by providing gifts to all the participants, reinforcing the message that the community stands united against VAW.
Beyond the community session, the PCAF GAD-FPS amplified the campaign’s message through digital and internal advocacy, creating and posting advocacy streamers online and within the agency’s vicinity.
These activities underscore the agency’s inherent commitment to building a safer, more just future for women in the workplace and across the country.
Under the guidance of the Philippine Commission on Women, PCAF GAD-FPS is actively translating the national call to action into tangible, local change.
“This activity is a clear example of how government agencies, like PCAF, law enforcement, civil society, and local leaders must UNITE to successfully end violence against women and children,” said PCAF GAD-FPS vice chairperson Floreliz Avellana. | Jezebel Campaniel
Note on Privacy: All images of children featured here were captured and shared with prior parental consent, pursuant to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) and R.A. 7610. PCAF is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of the Filipino youth.
