Abra women rallied to end violence

by Maritess Benas

Bangued, Abra (28 November) — Members of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), a federation of women organizations in the province of Abra, beat their drums and lyre on wheels around the Bangued Town Proper and the neighboring towns of Tayum and Pidigan to kick-off various activities for the 18-Day End Violence Campaign.

The theme of this year’s 18-Day End Violence Campaign is “Mga kalalakihan, kaakibat ng kababaihan laban sa lahat ng uri ng karahasan.” The campaign started November 25 until December 12, 2009.

This year’s campaign is very timely in Abra as the candidates for elective positions in the provincial and municipal levels had their mass filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and urged them to be mindful of the peace and security of their constituents in the upcoming electoral exercises.

After the motorcade, a forum was held at the Provincial KALIPI Center based at the Office of the Philippine Information Agency. Myrna Ruth Borgonia, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Bangued talked on the provisions of the Anti-Child Trafficking Law since there are already cases of child abuse and even rape of minors in the province. She explained how women, particularly the KALIPI could be of help in averting the occurrence of such kind of abuse against children who are the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Decimia D. Cabang, emphasized the great role of women in rearing a family especially the protection of children and how violence against women and children could be prevented through their responsible and caring attitude and determination to uphold the safety and protection of their family members.

Plans for the Christmas celebration of the KALIPI were later discussed with the provincial focal person, Ms. Noemi Bachiller. (PIA-Abra)