07 December 2015 - In observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 until December 12, the Philippine Consulate General in Manado organized an “Information Session on the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW and Workshop on Basic Self Defense Techniques,” held last November 28 at the Consulate General’s Conference Room.

The event was participated by Filipino teachers of Manado Independent School (MIS), members of the Filipino community from Bitung City, Border Crossing Officers of the Philippine-Indonesian Border Committee, personnel and dependents of the Consulate General.

For the Session on the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Person Maria Cecilia P. Wenceslao discussed the issue of VAW as a human rights concern, and explained the commitment of the Philippine government to observe this year’s theme, “End VAW Now! It’s our Duty! Gains and Way Forward.” She encouraged interaction among the participants by doing group work to identify forms of VAW. She stated that the Consulate General is fully committed to assist Filipino victims/survivors of VAW. To express solidarity, 18 participants read aloud a list of “18 things you can do to help End Violence Against Women Now!”

There was a streamer on display at the Consulate General’s conference room and participants were encouraged to take “selfies” and “we-fies” to upload in their Facebook, Instagram and other social media. Information materials downloaded from the official website of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) www.pcw.gov.ph and 2015 Advocacy Shirts were handed out to participants. The message on the shirt reads “strong HANDS stop violence against women and girls.” Ms. Wenceslao linked this message to the second part of the program by explaining the role of the hands in self-defense as she introduced the facilitators for the self defense techniques.

The Workshop on Basic Self Defense Techniques was facilitated by one female and four male instructors from “International Wing Chun Martial Art Indonesia,” who explained that Wing Chun is a martial art which emphasized structural rather than physical strength and was especially suited for women. Instructor Mr. Wiliyanto gave a brief introduction of Wing Chun, while Mr. Toar Siwa Salim and Ms. Anastasia Lapian demonstrated practical applications for potentially violent situations. Mr. Hesky Josep Pratasik and Mr. Meidy Lucky Mokalu showed more advanced applications such as defending against bladed weapons. All the participants actually engaged in the practical exercises, i.e. basic hand movement for self defense.

In his closing remarks, Philippine Consul General Oscar Orcine highlighted the Philippine laws that address VAW. He expressed his appreciation for everyone’s active participation in the joint activity and encouraged all to play their role in raising awareness to help end Violence Against Women.

The workshop was followed by a dinner for the workshop participants and facilitators. END