TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) joined the nation in the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) which runs from 25 November to 12 December 2024, as it kicked off a series of activities in support of the advocacy campaign for a VAW-free Philippines.

As part of the agency’s initiatives, the Prayer to End VAW and the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang was played during the flag-raising ceremonies and a trivia quiz was held every Monday within the 18-Day campaign period. To spark awareness and collective action, NMP employees were encouraged to wear the orange advocacy t-shirt every Friday for the month of December. The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW official streamer/campaign banner was likewise displayed at the display area of the NMP Administration Building.

A lecture on Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 and R.A. No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act was conducted on 7 December 2024 at the Maritime Training Annex Building which was attended by NMP trainees and the community. The salient provisions of both laws were comprehensively discussed by the resource speaker, Atty. Larry S. Esperas. He likewise gave common real-life situations and discussed the legal processes and remedies involving the application of both RA 9262 and RA 11313.

The series of activities was capped off by the announcement of the winners of the “Do the Macho Choir Dance Challenge” which was shown during the flag raising ceremony on 16 December 2024.

NMP’s observance of the worldwide campaign depicts its commitment to remain as an active advocate of gender equality and inclusivity in the maritime sector.