The city government of Davao, in partnership with Department of Tourism, launched the 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) dubbed, “Orange Your Icon” on Friday at People’s Park.
For the opening, an “Orange Zumba” and variety show featuring Davao Artists were held at People’s Park, considered as a popular tourist destination in the city and dubbed as one of the cleanest parks in the Philippines.
The campaign observed until December 2, 2016, is an annual nationwide observance which bears the slogan #VAWfreePH.
In a press statement from DOT Asst. Secretary for Mindanao Eden David, she stated that as the leading agency in hospitality industry, DOT will ensure that respect for women and children’s rights is upheld and laws for equality and gender are observed.
“The campaign “Orange Your Icon” for Vaw-free Philippines is being done to major landmarks and tourists spots to attract public’s curiosity thereby reaching new audiences and opportunity for advocates to explain the advocacy.
United Nations Secretary General Ki-Moon in a press statement explained that the bright and optimistic color orange which represents hope was chosen as a banner color “to symbolize the brighter future of a world free from violence against women and girls”.
According to Lorna Mandin of Integrated Gender and Development Division of City Mayor’s Office, the statistics of abuse is about five cases per day with an increasing trend year by year.
“80 percent of the cases is economic,” she said, adding that a number of women come to their office to seek for help since their husbands cannot provide them financial support.
Mandin said that the rest of the cases (20 percent) are physical, psychological and sexual abuses.
From January to June 2016, the Integrated Gender and Development Division recorded 980 cases, alarmingly higher than last year’s record which is more than 600 cases.
Mandin added that they have been providing comprehensive response, including legal which is the PAO, medical and women and children protection unit of the Southern Philippines Medical Center and the Davao Women and Children’s Department and social welfare.
