DFA San Fernando, Pampanga Launches "Bawal ang Bastos" Campaign in Celebration of Women's Month

Passport applicants accessed information materials on “Bawal Ang Bastos” or Safe Spaces Act of 2019 through QR Codes provided by the Consular Office. (CO San Fernando Pampanga photos)

SAN FERNANDO 20 March 2023 – The DFA Consular Office in San Fernando Pampanga launched its “Bawal ang Bastos” campaign in accordance with Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or R.A. 11313 on 13 March 2023 as part of its Women’s Month Celebration. 

As the Safe Spaces Act covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment committed in public space and institutions, the Consular Office initiated the campaign to increase public awareness on the rights of the citizens, particularly women, to pursue appropriate actions on cases involving harassment. 

A series of briefings to applicants highlighting the relevant and applicable provisions of the law were conducted as they wait for their turn for passport services.  “Bawal ang Bastos” information materials were also made available to the public through QR codes which were placed at the back of the applicants’ gang chairs and at the QR Code Station of the office for easy access. 

In line with this campaign, the Consular Office’s Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) convened on 14 March 2023 to discuss how to effectively address complaints, pre-empt occurrence, and strengthen its campaign against all forms of harassment and conflicts in the workplace. A forum on the Safe Spaces Act participated by Consular personnel was also held on 15 March 2023. END