Following its commitment to nurturing safe and inclusive spaces in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) held the 18-day campaign to end VAW from November 24 to December 12, 2025. This initiative is part of the multi-year campaign with its recurring theme, “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines.” Over the three-week period, the Council launched a series of activities that showcased inclusive initiatives and reinforced PCAARRD’s unified call to end gender-based violence.
During the opening program, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora underscored the significance of the campaign and urged staff to actively engage in various activities, including the webinar series on VAW policies and the exhibits. He also highlighted the Council’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and effective implementation of gender-responsive S&T programs. This serves as PCAARRD’s dedication to prioritizing gender and development in all aspects of PCAARRD’s programs, projects, and policies as one of the important keys to sustaining positive impacts in terms of inclusivity and sustainability.
The campaign officially kicked off with the AdVAWcacy activity, where advocacy icons were placed on the pledge wall. Hand-shaped icons bearing advocacy statements were distributed to staff members, who placed them on the pledge wall to express their support for the campaign. This activity symbolized the Council’s collective pledge to end VAW. The event was led by members of the Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee and the GAD Technical Working Group (TWG) and was participated by all PCAARRD staff.
The campaign continued the following week with the “I Vow to End VAW” Signature Campaign, where staff members affirmed their personal commitment by signing the advocacy wall. Participants were also provided with orange emergency whistles, designed to alert others and call for help in dangerous situations, specifically cases of harassment or violence.
The initiative concluded with the annual Orange Festival, held in partnership with the PCAARRD Employees Association (PCAARRDEA). This event served as a space for staff to celebrate the campaign’s milestones and reinforce their collective dedication to building a VAW-free community.
Another highlight of the campaign was the public GADiscussion webinar series, which featured two topics led by Dr. Mary Barby Badayos-Jover, a member of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National GAD Resource Pool. GAD advocates, PCAARRD external partners, and interested individuals were encouraged to attend the free webinars streamed via Zoom and Facebook live.
The first topic, “Promoting an Inclusive and Safe Workplace,” was discussed on December 3, 2025 while the second session on “Gender-Fair Language” was held on December 10, 2025. Dr. Badayos-Jover shared practical tips on preventive measures and appropriate interventions to address sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as on applying gender-sensitive language to eliminate sexist terms in government documents. Both sessions were attended by over 100 participants from PCAARRD, DOST agencies, state universities, and private sectors nationwide.
The campaign also featured the annual Basic Self-Defense Orientation aimed at equipping staff with practical skills to protect themselves and respond effectively in threatening situations. Mr. Phan Minh Quan, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), discussed key self-defense principles and demonstrated techniques using readily available office objects. Staff members were mentored on how to react quickly and become more aware of their surroundings through the simulation activities. The event was attended by 19 participants from PCAARRD Divisions.
Other activities included the VAW information drive, which promoted the campaign through posts on social media platforms and information bulletin boards; Orange Your Icon, where PCAARRD premises were decorated with orange and VAWC-themed designs; and Orange Tuesdays, during which employees were encouraged to wear orange attire and accessories to symbolize hope and solidarity in support of the End VAW campaign.
This year’s activities were spearheaded by the GAD Secretariat under the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD). Moving forward, the Council aims to sustain visible advocacy initiatives and strengthen support mechanisms in making PCAARRD a champion of a VAW-free community. PCAARRD also seeks to expand its advocacy reach and forge stronger inter-agency partnerships to promote a holistic and community-based approach to ending VAW.