November 24, 2017

The Provincial Council for Women (PCW) and the City of Talisay led the opening ceremony of the 18-day campaign to end VAW with this year's theme: "VAW FREE COMMUNITY STARTS WITH ME."

Mayor Neil E. Lizares III with first lady Atty. Rowena Lopez-Lizares, Sangguniang Panlungsod Members RJ Tuvilla and Zenia Astorga welcomed all VAW advocates who were present during the opening ceremony.

The delegation from the southern part of the province joined the caravan which started at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon to Talisay City Public Plaza, while contingent from the North gathered all together in Talisay City for the VAW Walk within the city proper to the City Public Plaza for the opening program.

PCW President Andrea Lizares Sy formally opened the program with her welcome address. Province of Negros Occidental First Lady Dr. Marlyn Marañon, Provincial Board Member Helen Zafra and Celia Flor, among other VAW advocates were all present to show their support for the said cause.

A forum on Human Rights and the Five Pillars of the Criminal Justice System with speakers Atty. David Bermudo, Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Atty. Arnel Sigue, Executive Director of the Anti-Trafficking Legal Advocate Society (ATLAS) were the highlights of the opening ceremony.

The City of Talisay's hosting of this year's VAW campaign was made possible through the support of Mayor Neil Lizares and Talisay City's Women In-Action Nurturing, Newly Empowered and Resourceful (WINNER) spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Head Elizabeth Mosquera, CSWD Asst. Head Dionela Madrona, SP Secretary Josel Faisan, City of Talisay's Gender and Development focal person and Executive Assistant for Multi Sectoral Concern Farah Jayme, Community Affairs Officer Marlyn Simondo and the barangay officials from the different barangays in the city.