TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) takes a formidable stance against gender-based violence by actively participating in the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), scheduled from November 25 to December 12, 2023. Aligned with the Philippine government’s commitment to safeguard the rights of women and girls, this initiative, themed ‘UNITEd for a VAW-free Philippines, positions NMP to make a significant impact through a series of activities.

NMP’s engagement includes the hanging of the official 2023 18-Day Campaign to End VAW streamer, symbolizing solidarity and a commitment to transformative change; flag-raising ceremonies featuring an all-women cast Lupang Hinirang video celebrating the strength and resilience of women on specific dates during the campaign; and proudly wearing of the distinctive advocacy t-shirts, igniting a visual statement against violence, every Friday in December.

Online advocacy will take center stage as NMP saturates its website and Facebook page with impactful campaign materials provided by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). Using the hashtag #VAWfreePH, NMP aims to amplify the message across digital platforms. Actively participating in the nationwide “Orange Your Icon” initiative, NMP turns its icons orange to signal unwavering support for the cause.

In acknowledgment of the pervasive nature of violence against women, NMP is guided by the PCW Memorandum Circular 2023-03, issuing a clarion call to all stakeholders to exert unwavering efforts to end VAW. The circular resonates with the global initiative “UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women,” urging governments, civil society, women’s organizations, and the private sector to unite in combating this global pandemic of violence.

Committed to education and awareness, NMP will organize lectures spotlighting critical laws, including the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act and the Safe Spaces Act. Going beyond conventional methods, NMP’s initiative aims to elevate engagement through dynamic trivia quizzes, providing participants with an interactive avenue to not only enhance their understanding but actively contribute to the campaign’s overarching goals.

NMP’s 18-Day Campaign transcends being a mere condemnation of violence against women; it is an active, concerted effort to prevent such acts and cultivate a community dedicated to building a VAW-free Philippines.