In line with the celebration of Women’s Month, the Quezon City Government (QC) led the mass pledge of commitment of more than 11,000 male QCitizens in support of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) movement.
Spearheaded by the Office of the City Mayor with Gender and Development (GAD) Council Office, at least 4,000 Quezon City hall male employees and officials joined MOVE, while around 7,000 personnel from the QC Police District, QC Fire District, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Civil Society Organizations, along with other volunteers gathered at Camp Karingal.
The mass oath takings were attended by District 5 Rep. PM Vargas, QC Police District Chief Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, QC Fire Department Chief FSSupt. Flor-Ian Guerrero, MOVE Vice Chairperson for Luzon Donald Amado, MOVE Secretary General Jonathan Pascual, City Councilors, District Action Officers, QC Department heads, and barangay officials.
Relaunched in 2022, the QC MOVE is a movement aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination, violence, and abuse against women (VAW) in QC.
A staunch women’s rights advocate, Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized that the contributions of both women and men are the key to a VAW-free and successful city.
“Both men and women have to work together to make sure that gender equality is achieved.”
“Ang Women’s Month ay tungkol din sa mga kalalakihan. Women and men are partners and allies. Both men and women have to work together to make sure that gender equality is achieved,” Belmonte stressed.
Furthermore, QC MOVE honorary Chair and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto urged the participants to share their visions with the city to promote VAW-free communities in QC.
“Tungkulin nating mga lalaki na mai-angat at irespeto ang mga kababaihan.”
“Ang tunay na lalaki ay may paninindigan. Tungkulin nating mga lalaki na mai-angat at irespeto ang mga kababaihan. I encourage all the men to serve as a voice for the oppressed in their households and communities,” Sotto said.
GAD will be bringing the campaign to schools by organizing the Youth for MOVE, in cooperation with the Division of City Schools and the Education Affairs Unit (EAU).
This will enable male youths to be actively involved in preventing and reporting violence, including bullying.
