THE18-DAY CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

December 7, 2023 at 3:00 t0 5:00pm

The Lucena West III Elementary School joins the annual observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women with the theme” United For
a VAW- Free Philippines. Its main objective was to educate young minds and remind adults about the importance of VAW. This valuable activity was
spearheaded by our dedicated principal Ma’am Josephine E. Permalino, who gave her opening remarks by motivating the participants to listen very well and be
knowledgeable about the VAWC. It started with a registration which was handled by teachers Fatima M. Fontanil and Kristine Aguilar. It was attended by the
grade VI students, the faculty, and the staff of the school.

Our emcee, Sir Jumar Ajela, started the program by giving his warm greetings to all participants. It was followed by the opening prayer, singing a patriotic song,
and energizer which was done through video presentations. Ma’am Ana Ronces M. Marquez, a grade 1 teacher, introduced the first speaker, Ma’am Mariegen
A. Hernandez, our GAD coordinator.

She discussed the Republic Act 11313, also known as The Safe Spaces Act or The BAWAL BASTOS LAW, it was signed by former President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte last April 2019 and became law last August 3, 2019. It covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces,
educational or training institutions, workplaces, and online spaces. It penalizes wolf-whistling, catcalling, misogynistic and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual
advances, and other forms of sexual harassment. Any person who violates this law, shall upon conviction, be penalized with a fine of less than PHP 5,000 or more
than PHP 10,000.00, depending upon the violations and number of offenses.

The second speaker was Ma’am Ma Teresa D. Ella, the alternate person of our coordinator. She discussed the Republic Act 8353: The Anti-Rape Law of 1997
and Republic Act 11648: Amending RA 8383. The law considers that any person, whether a prostitute, non-virgin, or one who has an active sexual life may be
victimized by rape. She explained clearly the meaning of rape, the consent, the qualified rape, and how the crime was punished. She ended her discussion by
showing a short video clip of awakening that VAW is there not only to protect women against violence but also to protect the children, and the youth, from abuse
and be a good example for them in doing what is right.

Our principal also gave the closing remarks by giving her word of affirmation that the seminar was indeed very informative and successful. She also gave
certificates to our two discussants and thanked them for the job well done.