“Ihakbang
Kontra Pang-aabuso sa Kababaihan” was
the theme of the fun run and walkathon held at Good Shepherd Compound last Dec
10, 2016, International Human Rights Day. Good Shepherd Sisters and Lay Mission
Partners, together with survivors of sexual exploitation joined the activity.

The aim is to
support the 16-Day Campaign to End Violence Against
Women and Girls. The program started at 8:30 in the morning headed by Sr. Ma.
Ailyn Binco, the Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated
Development Foundation, Inc. (SMEIDFI).

 

The participants, Good Shepherd
Sisters, girls in the residence and mission partners, registered their names in
the official registration sheet to formally start the program. It was
immediately followed by an invocation led by Ms. Lorejane Largado, academic tutor
in Ruhama Center for Women. Afterwards, an opening remark was given by Sr.
Regina Kuizon, province leader of the Religious of the Good Shepherd. Sr.
Regina emphasized on our solidarity with Good Shepherd Sisters all over the
world and all advocates for an end on violence against women and girls that
started on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence
Against Women and Girls.

 

Headed by Ruhama Girls, the
participants were requested to join in dancing zumba. Mrs. Grace Bernabe, part
time monitoring and evaluation officer of SMEIDFI likewise gave her
inspirational message. She also shared how the Philippines supported the
campaign with Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 declaring November 25 to December 12 or
the 18 day campaign to end violence against women and girls. The Philippine
proclamation has extended the celebration to 18 days, to include December 12,
“a historic date that marked the start of campaigning for signature in 2000 of
the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress & Punish trafficking in persons especially women and
children.”

Fourteen (14) participants joined the
fun run and the first three who finished the race were Marvie, J.J and Liza. On
the other hand, 12 participants joined the walkathon and the temporary professed
sisters bagged the award.

The awarding of prizes
immediately followed and distribution of certificate to those who finished the
race. 

During the closing remarks, Sr. Ma. Ana
Cielo Matuloy, vocation directress of the Religious of the Good Shepherd,
thanked those present saying their participation “is already our way of saying
that a “VAW-free community, society really starts with each one of us. Our
campaign does not end on this day, not only for 16 days but everyday.” A community
dance entitled “Break the Chain” and “Bangon Babae Bangon”, concluded the day’s
celebration”.