The Department of National Defense (DND) launched the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on Monday with a “Walk for A Cause: A Celebratory Walk” at Camp Aguinaldo.
“As we begin the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, let us reaffirm our unity towards a VAW-free Philippines,” said DND Office for Human Resource Director Nicole M. Bacolod during her opening remarks.
She represented OHR Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong, who is also the Vice-Chairperson of the DND Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (FPS).
“This campaign is more than just an event; it is our collective movement calling for justice and equality. It serves as a testament to the fact that violence against women is not a private matter but a public concern,” stressed Director Bacolod.
Over 600 officials and personnel from the DND, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Government Arsenal, National Defense College of the Philippines, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, including the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, and other Men Opposed to Violence Against Women (MOVE) Chapters participated in this activity.
The event aimed to emphasize the importance of collective action in eliminating all forms of gender-based violence across all sectors of Philippine society.
“More than just a symbolic gesture, today is a powerful reminder that every step we take brings us closer to a society free from violence against women,” said Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs and MOVE DND Chapter Chairperson Henry A. Robinson, Jr.
“This is not about compliance or formality; it is about commitment, action, and transformation.”
This year’s 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is anchored on the sub-theme “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras.”
In addition to the fun walk, the kickoff activity included DND-wide GAD advocates affirming their commitment against VAW through a Pledge Wall.
“Each step taken to end violence against women is a step toward a future where everyone can walk free—free from fear, free from harm, and free to thrive. Today, we walked together with purpose. Tomorrow, let us continue to move forward in action,” he added.
