18 December 2014 - The Philippine Embassy conducted a gender and development (GAD) activity with a back-to-back film showing on “Cervical Cancer” and on the Philippines’ R.A. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 on November 23 aimed at empowering more the Filipino women in Turkey.

Ambassador Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez, in her opening remarks, emphasized the vital role of women and children in nation building thus, she said “it is highly important that governments around the world should continue to protect them and promote their rights”.

Fifteen year old Carlwina Victoria Neri, daughter of GAD alternate Focal Person Rowena Neri, read a few global facts on cervical cancer followed by the showing of a Solar News Channel MEDTALK episode on cervical cancer where in Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, President of the Society of the Gynecologist and Oncologist of the Philippines and Chairman of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network discussed issues about cervical cancer, focusing more on prevention through proper hygiene and regular medical screening and check-ups.

This was followed immediately with a film showing about R.A. 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004” via a Legal Help Desk episode on Solar News Channel where hosts Atty. Karen Jimeno and Atty. Rod Nepomuceno discussed issues about the said law with their guests, Judge Editha Sarmiento Flores and Philippine Women’s Commission (PWC) Chairperson Remedios Ignacio-Rikken. 

A brief sharing of experiences followed after the back-to-back film showing.  END