DIOCESE OF PASIG VOWS TO END VAW
The LVF Child Protection Clinic on Wheels conducted a learning session on Violence Against Women to more than 50 parishioners of the Diocese of Pasig who committed to end violence against women (VAW) through their “Panatang Makababaihan”. These were outputs of learning session conducted by the LVF’s Social Worker, Mrs. Emy India, last Saturday, March 28, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City. Representing the four (4) vicariates of the Diocese of Pasig (Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, Immaculate Conception Cathedral; St. Anne; and, Sto. Nino), the participants pledged to re-echo this learning sessions to their parishioners and encourage their participation in the conduct of related activities in response to VAW.
Through the invitation of Bro. Alex David and his wife Helen from the Family and Life Ministry of the Diocese of Pasig the LVF Child Protection Clinic on Wheels Social Workers were given the opportunity to discuss among 26 men and 29 women parish coordinators of the Diocese of Pasig about some basic concepts on gender vis-à-vis various types of violence committed against women at home, in the workplace and in their community. 2013 statistics of VAW cases were also presented as well as discussion on reasons why men abuse their spouse and why women choose to remain in abusive relationships.
As this activity forms part of the LVF’s Women’s Month Celebration, the learning session was indeed a fitting moment to call on the support of the participants to: 1) help bring back the dignity of women who are being violated as their dignity and self-worth are the foundation of their rights as human persons; and, 2) build a gender-fair society were men and women co-exist and share responsibilities in creating a caring and nurturing environment for their children and the community at large. The male participants were also challenged of coming up with their own learning sessions as men also become victims of domestic violence and that they are not given proper assistance.
CPC KIDS ATTEND INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR STREET CHILDREN
With the theme, “Louder Together”, the 20 LVF representatives joined the thousands of marchers assembled in Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate, Manila and walked together to Quirino Grandstand for a day of kite flying, storytelling and a short program highlighting the speeches of child advocates and special performances from the street children themselves.
This is the fifth year that the National Council for Social Development, an umbrella organization of Social Development NGOs, organized the event in partnership with the members of its Street and Working Children subcommittee which include Laura Vicuña Foundation.
Peace Painting
In his art work entitled “Wish upon a Star”, Stephen Kyle expressed that children should be free and be able to express their feelings. “The Kite Flyer” painted by Edceleen portrays a child full of optimism who dreams of an air pollution-free Philippines.
Their paintings will be displayed in different places in the Philippines where similar peace painting workshops will also be held.
A certified child Advocate
An incoming Grade 7 student, Rosezel was among a few selected children from non-government organizations who were given training on child’s rights advocacy last September 2014 at Bayview Hotel, making her a certified child advocate.
The assessment consisted of four (4) workshops facilitated by CWC on the following: a) the characteristics of a true advocate; b) personal strengths and weaknesses while giving the advocacy; c) knowing more about child protection issues; and, d) action planning.
CPC Core Group on Servant Leadership
LVF Executive Director, Sr. Marivic P. Sta. Ana, FMA gave a message of hope, saying that “God has gifted us with life for a purpose, to serve Him in Love by being gifts to others. We have to discover His beautiful plan for us.” With the gift of life, God has graced us with capacities and potentials for greatness and to be winners. She challenged the CPC leaders to see the needs of others and be proactive agents of change and transformation in their communities.
In a focus group discussion, Ms. Cueto drew out their idea of a leader. For the parents, a leader is someone who is able to go beyond self and help others, is sacrificing, persevering and has the ability to lead. For the children, a true leader is a role model, bighearted and can be trusted. To conclude, a leader serves like Jesus the good shepherd.
Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA also gave an input on Gender Sensitivity, emphasizing the significant role of society in shaping the perception of people on sex and gender which should be based on the concept of equality rather than mere stereotypes.