![](https://philcongencalgary.org/public/blogs/2024/02/pcg-calgary-launches-18-day-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women20240203013828.png)
25 November 2019, Calgary – The
Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary launched the 18-Day Campaign
to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on 23 November 2019 at the PCG premises
as part of the PCG’s Gender and Development program and to support the
Philippine-wide campaign to end VAW. The launch was held during the Kapihan
sa Konsulado hosted by Consul General Zaldy Patron for the leaders of the
Filipino community in Alberta.
The 18-Day Campaign adopts the theme “VAW-free
community starts with Me,” which presents an ideal picture of a VAW-free
community and calls on everyone to contribute in ending VAW. The campaign
inspires the general public to make a personal commitment to end violence
against women and children. Likewise, it highlights the need for primary prevention
to reduce incidents of VAW across the Philippines, which can be achieved by
empowering individuals to know and claim their rights and by educating them on where
to seek help in cases of violence.
PHOTOS: On 25
November 2019, Consul General Zaldy Patron leads Calgary PCG in reciting what
government employees can do to become staunch advocates against violence
against women and children.
One of the highlights of the launch
was the recitation of the commitment to end VAW. Mrs. Dolly Castillo of the Babae:
Council of Filipina-Canadian Women led the recitation for the women while Mr.
Clem Tigley of the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation took the lead for the
men.
Consul General Patron explained that Filipino women victims of violence could report their situation to the local police, the PCG or concerned government agencies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. They can also approach not-for-profit organizations in the two provinces offering various social services for victims of violence. He encouraged the participants to do their part in enhancing awareness
PHOTO: Calgary
PCG Clients smile as they receive and wear their free End-VAW campaign buttons
after they sign up to receive more information materials about the campaign, 25
November 2019.
Following the early launch on 23
November, the PCG held a brief ceremony on 25 November 2019 at the PCG’s
consular area marking the official start of the campaign, which will run until
12 December 2019. The PCG officers and staff, as government employees, recited their
own commitment to end VAW.
Some clients of the PCG were given End
VAW buttons as part of the awareness campaign. The Philippine Commission on
Women’s short films from the series VAW: The Unspoken Words will also be
shown at the PCG consular waiting area to educate the consular applicants about
the campaign.
The PCG advises Filipino women in
Alberta and Saskatchewan who are victims of violence to call 911 if they are on
immediate danger. They may also contact any of the following to seek various
forms of assistance:
·
Alberta Government’s Family Violence Info Line at tel. no. 310-1818.
·
Family Service Saskatoon Inc. at tel. no. 1-888-338-0880
·
Family Service Regina Inc. at tel. no. 306-757-6675
·
Philippine Consulate General’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Unit at mobile
no.: 587-577-1524 or email address calgarypcg.atn@gmail.com.