04/12/2025
Feature | ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ 18-๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐ง
Brent Hospital and Colleges Incorporated marked a start for the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) with an insightful and focused forum held on November 26, 2025 in partnership with Katilingban Sa Kalambuan Organization Incorporated and supported by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The event aligned with the national observance from November 25 to December 12, carrying the theme โ : Addressing VAWC and Gender-Based Violence in Educational Settingsโ
The event opened with Opening Prayer, followed by the Philippine National Anthem, Zamboanga Hermosa Hymn, and the Brent Hymn. Setting the tone for the meaningful discussions ahead, Dr. Jennifer T. Camposa, RGC, delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting the campaignโs importance and oneโs responsibility in safeguarding women and children within the community.
The first discussion entitled, "Understanding Digital Threats: Session 1
The first session", was led by Ellaine D.C. Gelantaga-an, RSW. She focused on escalating issue of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation. Gelantaga-an explained how perpetrators take advantage of online anonymity, economic vulnerability, and limited digital literacy to lure children into harmful online activities. She discussed the evolving tactics of offenders from grooming to cybersex operations and emphasizes the needs of community vigilance. Participants were also guided on reporting platforms, including the use of the Cyber TIP Line, empowering them to take action in preventing digital exploitation.
The then next topic entitled "Exposing Cultural and Institutional Harm: Session 2", delivered by Magnolia T. Grefalde, LPT, CHRA, shifted the focus to gender-based violence rooted in societal structures. She broke down societal norms that included subordination, marginalization, and canalization, illustrating how deeply embedded norms influence gender expectations and contribute to violence. She highlights the reality of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) and VAWC, revealing how unequal power relations and rigid gender roles create unsafe environments for students. Grefalde underscored the long-term consequences on learnersโ mental health and educational outcomes, urging institutions to adopt gender-sensitive policies, stronger reporting mechanisms, and preventive programs.
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children served as a meaningful start in equipping the community with practical knowledge. Ending violence begins with awareness, advocacy and collective action towards creating a safer space for women and children.
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