In support of the nationwide 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), PNOC organized a series of outreach programs to raise awareness about issues related to violence against women and their children (VAWC) and teenage pregnancy prevention.
The campaign kicked off on November 27, 2024 with a seminar for PNOC employees featuring Andrea “Ann” Angala, a survivor-turned-advocate, who shared her journey and advocacy work with Break the Cycle PH and Bikers United Movement. Her inspiring talk highlighted resilience, community support, and collective action as crucial tools in breaking the cycle of violence. This initiative aimed to motivate employees to stand against VAW, learn how to support victims, and promote gender equality in both their professional and personal lives.
Additionally, the company organized two outreach programs to support women deprived of liberty (WDL). The first program took place at the Bataan District Jail on November 29, 2024 where PNOC engaged 61 WDL in a series of empowering activities. The second event followed at the Taguig City Jail-Female Dormitory on December 12, 2024 involving 50 WDL participants. PNOC invited Angala to deliver an inspirational talk on overcoming violence and adversity.
As part of the program, a letter-writing activity encouraged WDL to pen heartfelt messages to their families, fostering emotional healing and reconnection. PNOC also distributed essential gift packs containing hygiene products and food items to help meet the women’s basic needs.
Under the theme, “Ingatan ang Kinabukasan, Maagang Pagbubuntis Iwasan,” PNOC further extended its advocacy to the youth through back-to-back learning sessions on teenage pregnancy prevention and sexual and reproductive health and rights. These sessions gathered 100 students from Grades 10, 11, and 12 at Mariveles National High School-Batangas Dos and Lamao National High School in Bataan on December 6, 2024 and December 10, 2024, respectively. The sessions emphasized the importance of education, responsible decision-making, and access to sexual and reproductive health services among the youth.
To deepen their understanding of the issue, the students watched Menor de Edad, a documentary by journalist Kara David, which highlighted the struggles of teenage mothers in the Philippines. This was followed by a lecture from the Commission on Population and Development-Bataan on the Philippine teenage pregnancy situation, dimensions of responsible sexuality, and the consequences of early sexual engagements and pregnancies. Furthermore, Atty. Reynilda Cabahug-De Leon from PNOC’s Office of the General Counsel delivered a comprehensive discussion on the legal protections provided under the VAWC Law, equipping students with critical knowledge of their rights.
These initiatives, spearheaded by the PNOC GAD Focal Point System, underscored PNOC’s commitment to the noble cause of eliminating VAW in the Philippines.
