In observance of the 100^th celebration of International Women’s Month and in cooperation with the City of Baguio’s “Kababaihan Festival 2011”, SAVE OUR WOMEN recently hosted the Second Men’s Summit on Domestic and Intimate Violence (DIV), where issues on relationship violence against women, and how men can help to end men’s violence against women, were discussed in a forum exclusively for men. 

A sudden change of venue did not hinder the holding of the Summit last Saturday, March 19, 2011 at St. Therese Hall inside the Baguio Cathedral Compound. Fifty-six gentlemen, representing the City Hall, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), the European Union (EU), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Knights of Columbus, Men of Goodness, Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) of DSWD-CAR, Mines View Men’s Organization, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Statistics Office (NSO), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Commission on Population (POPCOM), TESDA, Saint Louis University (SLU), University of Baguio (UB), University of the Cordilleras (UC), several barangays, the business sector and the media, gathered together to discuss how men can effectively end men’s violence against women (VAW). 

Guest of Honor and Speaker Atty. Carlos M. Canilao, City Administrator, shared his personal insights about the importance of treating women with the same respect given to men, and addressing domestic violence, spurning age-old negative attitudes and “macho” behavior against women which should definitely be changed. He also cited City Mayor Mauricio Domogan’s positive stand on anti-VAW, adding that the City of Baguio has in place several measures to address the issue on gender equality, mentioning that several women already occupy high positions in the local government.

Jim Ward, Jeremy Dela Cruz, Marvin Gaddang, Theodore Solang and Chino Chow, all proud male members of SAVE OUR WOMEN, facilitated the interactive endeavor, fully supported by the organization’s women, led by President Karina Dela Peña and Founder/Executive Director Patti Gallardo.  Four discussion groups dealt with their respective assigned topics namely “Silence is Not Golden”, “Is it a Family Affair?”, “Is it wrong to be Macho…Why are We Like This?” and “Did She Deserve It? Did She Ask For It?”, after which their conclusions were presented to the body.  The general consensus was that women should be treated as partners, not commodities, and respected by the men in their lives. “Macho” meant, among others, that a real man does not condone the abuse of women. It was also concluded that there is absolutely no excuse acceptable for a man to hurt a woman.

Atty. Hilario Belmes of Camp John Hay and Dr. Mark Noel Ventura, noted pediatrician, were given special recognition for their genuine concern for women and their honesty and courage to speak up against VAW. Two others - JO1 Eduard Solang and Punong Barangay Michael Karl Flores - were, unfortunately, not present to receive their commendations.  Ms. Gallardo praised the male participants for attending and participating as this was proof of their concern for women.  She went on to say that, being husbands, fathers, sons or brothers of women, the participants, at least, opened their minds and honestly presented their thoughts on the issue.  Although domestic violence against women is a women’s issue, SAVE believes that men and women, instead of fighting each other, must work together to prevent the violence from happening to females.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda – chair of the 2011 Kababaihan Festival, and a sprinkling of women representing Lion’s Club, Prolife and the media also attended the summit as observers. After the success of the activity, SAVE OUR WOMEN said a Third Summit will soon be in the works.

Two days before the summit, SAVE OUR WOMEN treated 84 women to free Pap smear testing and breast exams at the SLU Hospital of the Sacred Heart, in a joint project with the doctors of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) Region 1 Chapter led by Dr. Grace Doromal. --- Save Our Women