MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) launched this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with a community run on 25 November along Rio de Oro Boulevard.

A total of 42 partner agencies joined the “Run to End VAW,” including the Cagayan de Oro City Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, and VAWC (CIACAT-VAWC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Field Office 10.

Local government units, national government agencies and community organizations also participated in the activity, which officially opened the nationwide observance held from 25 November to 12 December.

As runners filled the newly opened boulevard, organizers emphasized that the event served as both a symbolic and collective expression of support for the campaign.

Jail officer 1 Hanney Joy O. Jokiton of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-10 stressed the importance of educating all women — including persons deprived of liberty — on their rights and the protections afforded to them under the law.

Police Capt. Earl Cartagena, officer in charge of the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, said violence against women remains among the most frequently recorded cases in police files.

She also reminded women that laws exist to protect them — and must be asserted.

Representing the running community, Ranji Lumagsao, psychosocial staff of the City Social Welfare Division and a member of Hangak Trail Runners, underscored how sports can strengthen advocacy work.

He added that the campaign also provides an opportunity to raise awareness among men and encourage genuine support beyond social media engagement.

Organizers said the run is only the first of several activities lined up during the 18-day observance to strengthen public involvement and mobilize support for survivors of gender-based violence.

The Philippines has participated in the global 16 Days of Activism since 2003. The observance was expanded to 18 days through Proclamation 1172 in 2006, spanning 25 November — the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — to 12 December, the International Day Against Trafficking. The campaign continues to serve as a platform for awareness, policy advocacy, and coordinated action to protect women and children.

This year’s theme calls for a whole-of-nation approach, urging Filipinos to speak up, prevent violence, support survivors, demand accountability, and help build safe and inclusive communities.