PH Consulate General in San Francisco Joins Community Pledge to End Domestic Violence

SAN FRANCISCO 19 October 2018 — In commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Alliance for Community Empowerment (ALLICE), in coordination with the Asian American Recovery Services-HealthRight360 and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, held the 14th Annual Free from Violence event on 12 October 2018 at the Colma Community Center in Colma, California. 

The event aims to educate and empower the community about issues concerning domestic violence while gathering together non-government organizations, law enforcement officials, churches, members of the press, and the Filipino American Community. 

Local leaders, including San Mateo County District Supervisor David Canepa, Colma Mayor Raquel Gonzales, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and Colma Vice Mayor and ALLICE member Joanne Del Rosario graced the event. 

Clara and Julia Tempongko, mother and sister of murder victim Claire Joyce Tempongko also gave their testimonies during the event.

During his remarks, Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. noted that the past year has been momentous in bringing the issue of sexual and domestic violence to fore with the #MeToo movement trending globally, resulting in more and more survivors coming forward to share their stories. 

Consul General Bensurto said that to address the root of the issue, “Families and communities must be reoriented towards creating a culture of respect for all, especially the most vulnerable ones.  It is only through nurturing a loving home and teaching our children how we should respect all genders, that we will be able to make a transformative difference in ensuring that no one is abused, or taken advantage of because of his or her gender.” The Consul General also led the community’s pledge to help end domestic violence.

Filipinos who may be victims of domestic abuse may get in touch with the Philippine Consulate General through its emergency line +1 (415) 269-2020, or contact the providers listed in the ALLICE website: http://allicekumares.com/dvresources/. END

For more information, visit www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/