In line with ongoing government efforts to stop violence against women and children (VAWC), the Philippine Army (PA) formally launched its 18-day campaign on the initiative at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tuesday.

“We need to transform our society into one with a culture that has zero tolerance for violence against women and children,” PA vice commander, Maj. Gen. Reynaldo M. Aquino said.

The launch was attended by different major units and services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, PA spokesperson, said the 18-day effort was started with the conduct of “Tae Bo” — a form of exercise that incorporates martial arts techniques such as kicks and punches — to start the campaign.

Aside from Tae Bo, a pledge of commitment and signing of the commitment wall was conducted to reinforce the implementation of the campaign.

The PA, as a gender-responsive institution, has a gender-lens that oversees the promotion of the dignity of human beings regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity or gender.

“Let us use this campaign to reinforce our gender and development policies and to revitalize our program,” Aquino added.

He also assured the public that the PA will remain pro-active in the fight to end VAWC.

The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

By virtue of Republic Act 10398 or the Act declaring November 25 of every year as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC, government agencies are mandated to raise awareness on the problem of violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. (PNA)