20 February 2014 - The men and women of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined the rest of San Francisco in the One Billion Rising Rally, an annual rally that demands for the end of violence against women and girls. 

Held on February 14 at the steps of City Hall, city officials led by Mayor Edwin Lee came out to promote the rights of women and encourage people to stop violence against women and children. 

Various women advocacy groups were also present at the rally.  Marily Mondejar, CEO of the Filipina Women’s Network, stated that there is now an amplification and escalation in the demand for justice.  On the other hand, American writer Michelle Tea called for the decriminalization of prostitution, pointing out that prostitutes are easy targets for violence. 

Filipino-American singer and member of the Black Eyed Peas, Apl de Ap also joined the festivities.  He shared his family’s experience with violence and called everyone to join the global movement to stop violence against women and girls. 

“Violence against women is not just a women’s issue,” Acting Head of Post and Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon declared.

“It is an issue that affects men and women alike, and has palpable effects on the security and well-being of our community.  The Consulate takes a serious view against any form of violence against women and girls, and is working closely with local organizations to ensure that all sectors of our community can live free of fear of violence or coercion”.    
 

The highlight of the rally was the dancing of the theme song for One Billion Rising, which was preceded by street dancing with Apl de Ap performing as a disc jockey.  END