Policy Forum and NAP-EVAW Launch Highlight Whole-of-Nation and Whole-of-Society Approach
STOP VAW NOW. Officials, partners, and advocates come together during the launch of the NAP-EVAW to strengthen the nation’s collective stand against violence.
“May this gathering strengthen the resolve of those who labor to end all forms of violence against women, whether through policy, service provision, community leadership, or the unheralded work of care.” Conveyed in a written statement by His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., these words set the tone for the launch of the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women (NAP-EVAW) 2025–2030.
Aware that this vision can only be achieved through multi-stakeholder and sustained initiatives to prevent and respond to VAW, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) conducted a Policy Forum and Launch of the NAP-EVAW 2025–2030, on December 1, 2025 in Quezon City. The event brought together leaders from government agencies, legislators, media, civil society organizations, and women’s rights advocates united by one call: to end violence against women through shared responsibility and collective action.
The NAP-EVAW set the direction for the next five years of the country’s work to eliminate VAW, outlining a multi-sectoral roadmap focused on strengthening prevention, ensuring survivor access to quality and compassionate services, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms across institutions.
PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla opens the Policy Forum and Launch of NAP EVAW 2025–2030, calling for urgent, collective action to protect women and girls nationwide.
In her opening message, PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla urged stakeholders to move with urgency and intention. “We are here today to reaffirm our commitments under the NAP-EVAW of the Philippines and most importantly, come up with a shared immediate action towards its implementation in the areas where implementation is most needed.” She also underscored the need for active and accountable EVAW Councils in barangays, expanded training for VAW advocates, and stronger community-level data on women experiencing violence to ensure that national commitments reach and protect every woman.
Ms. Neus Bernabeu, UNFPA Philippines Country Representative, conveys support for a violence-free future for all women and girls.
Supporting the initiative, Ms. Neus Bernabeu, Country Representative of UNFPA Philippines, expressed solidarity in building a nation where violence is never tolerated and every woman and girl can live free and develop her full potential, highlighting the importance of collaborative action to end VAW at all levels of society.
UNVEILING OF NAP EVAW 2025-2030
The unveiling of the NAP EVAW 2025–2030 brings together key representatives from government and partner organizations
The program was followed by the unveiling of the NAP EVAW 2025–2030 led by PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla and representatives from national government and partner agencies in including UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Bernabeu, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon. Representatives from the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACVAWC), namely, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) witnessed the unveiling ceremony. The unveiling underscored the government’s commitment to coordinated, multi-sectoral action to end violence against women and strengthen mechanisms for prevention, protection, and accountability.
Hon. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag expresses unwavering support for the NAP EVAW 2025–2030 and the continued fight for women’s safety and rights.
Hon. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag, Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality of the House of Representatives, reaffirmed her support for the NAP EVAW 2025–2030. She said, “I reiterate my full support for this plan and the system it seeks to strengthen.” She also proudly announced the approval of the consolidation of bills for the Expanded Women’s Act and the start of discussions on amendments to strengthen the Bawal Bastos Law, highlighting the commitment to turning policies into concrete actions that protect and empower women across the country.
The launch was further strengthened by messages of support from key national and local leaders, development partners, and legislators, who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the NAP EVAW 2025–2030. DSWD USec Romualdez emphasized that programs for victim-survivors must remain compassionate, accessible, and responsive to their needs, while Ms. Tristan Burnett, UN Resident Coordinator Ad-Interim, highlighted the importance of engaging communities, including boys and men, in promoting gender equality and preventing violence. DILG ASec De Leon underscored the role of local governance in strengthening anti-VAWC mechanisms, such as Barangay VAW Desks and local committees, to create safer spaces for women to thrive. Governor Dakila Carlo Enriuez Cua of the Province of Quirino and President of Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) reaffirmed the vital role of local government units as frontline actors in protecting women and girls.
Senator Risa Hontiveros delivers a video message highlighting emerging forms of violence against women and the need for updated laws and policies.
The issue of emerging forms of VAW was also highlighted, with Senator Risa Hontiveros noting how the online world, including AI-generated content, has created new challenges that demand updated laws and policies. Speakers collectively emphasized that ending violence against women requires strong leadership, coordinated action, and shared responsibility across government, civil society, and communities.
THE UNITY FLAME
The event moved into a solemn moment with the ceremonial lighting of the Unity Flame, symbolizing a united commitment to a future where every Filipina lives free from fear and violence. The flame also represents key pillars of the NAP-EVAW: white for prevention, highlighting its essential role in ending violence against women; yellow for response, signifying accessible programs and services for victim-survivors; and blue for cross-cutting structures, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration needed to strengthen mechanisms that support survivors across the nation.
Officials and partners boldly affirm their pledge to end violence, signing the commitment wall as a symbol of collective action.
To seal the collective resolve to end violence against women, officials delivered their Pledge of Commitment and affixed their signatures on the commitment wall. The moment captured a united front across agencies and sectors, reaffirming that protecting every Filipina from violence is not just a mandate, but a moral responsibility shared by all.