Advocates all over Bohol attend the 4th Women and Children Advocates Congress, organized by the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, as part of a long campaign to end gender-based violence in the Province.

Held on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City, municipal social workers, female police forces, hospital staff, and women-centered NGO workers gathered for a whole-day event on VAWC (Violence Against Women & Children) education from Keynote speakers. The congress touched on issues, such as assault on women, children, and teenage pregnancy cases in Bohol, with an open forum discussion on creating efficient protocols and policies for VAWC within communities. Dr. Valeria Sulatra, a key official of GCGMMC, opened the program, highlighting the importance of having a yearly event to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

“This event is an annual observance for us to raise awareness and ignite action protecting the human rights of women and children against all forms of violence,” Dr. Sulatra said.

Board Member Gloria Gementiza attended the event on behalf of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado and assured that eradicating VAWC is a priority of the Provincial Government of Bohol.

“We will do anything in our power to support programs and campaigns that support the protection of our women and children in our province because their safety and security will determine the strength of our nation,” BM Gementiza said.

The GCGMMC created the Women and Children Advocates Congress in 2019 as part of a nationwide 18-day campaign to end violence against women from November 25 to December 12. The theme of the event is “United for a VAW-Free Philippines.”