Raising the Stakes: PCW, UNFPA, QC LGU,
and SM Cares Illuminate Landmarks to Rally Against VAW
“Twenty-one years, and still, every hour, five women die at the hands of their own family members. So let us be clear: we have not gathered here today to celebrate our gains. We have gathered here to confront an unbearable truth—that our work is far from finished, and that every single one of us is accountable.”
These were the words of Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla during her keynote at the ceremonial lighting of the SM North EDSA tunnel and other SM Supermalls LEDs on November 24, 2025, the eve of the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW).
PCW, UNFPA, and SM Cares led the ceremonial lighting of the SM North EDSA tunnel and other SM Supermalls LEDs as part of the 18-day Campaign to End VAW’s #OrangeYourIcon.
Organized by PCW, the UN Population Fund, and SM Cares, the event is part of the campaign’s #OrangeYourIcon initiative, in which landmarks, buildings, and SM malls across the country are illuminated in orange to symbolize hope, urgency, and collective commitment. Running from November 25 to December 12, the campaign carries the national theme “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines.”
PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla emphasizes the 24/7 responsibility of every Filipino to protect women and children during her keynote address.
“This observance is a powerful testament to our national resolve. However, we must view these 18 days of EVAW campaign as a moment to deeply reflect on our moral duty and renew our solemn vow to protect every woman and her children. The right for safety knows no calendar. Ending violence against women is the 365-day, 24 hours, seven days a week responsibility of every Filipino,” Chairperson Valdeavilla added.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and DILG Asec. Lilian De Leon highlighted initiatives to empower women and strengthen VAW desks during the illumination event.
The ceremony featured voices from government, law enforcement, civil society, the private sector, and the United Nations, all rallying behind the call to end VAW. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted her city’s programs to empower women and ensure their safety, reaffirming her commitment as a staunch advocate of women’s rights. DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon shared how the agency is strengthening VAW desks across communities, while DSWD Usec. Monina Romualdez, in a video message, showcased the department’s social services for survivors and, as Chair of the IACVAWC, stressed the shared responsibility to protect women and children.
Law enforcement and emergency services reinforced the message with urgency. PMGen Roderick Alba called on police units to treat every VAW case as a priority, while Fire Chief Superintendent Belinda B. Ochave affirmed the BFP’s unwavering commitment to protect women and end violence. Civil society leaders Dr. Junice Melgar and Ms. Amparo Miciano Sykioco shared inspiring initiatives advancing health, equality, and the empowerment of rural women.
SM Supermalls’ Engr. Liza Silerio, UNFPA’s Ms. Neus Bernabeu, UN Women’s Ms. Rosalyn Mesina,
and UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral highlighted the importance of partnerships, accountability, and concrete action in the fight to end VAW.
SM Supermalls, a partner of PCW in this advocacy, emphasized that ending VAW requires sustained investment and collaboration, with Engr. Liza Silerio highlighting the need for long-term partnerships. Reinforcing this commitment to end VAW, UN partners affirmed their active support for the campaign: UN Gender Thematic Groups (GTG) Chair and UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Neus Bernabeu highlighted data on the prevalence of VAW and stressed that perpetrators must be held accountable, while UN GTG Co-Chair and UN Women Country Programme Coordinator Ms. Rosalyn Mesina called on communities to turn commitments into action so women can reach their full potential. UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral lauded Philippine initiatives and challenged all sectors to rethink approaches, question the status quo, and confront emerging forms of violence.
Participants from government, civil society, SM Supermalls, and UN partners join hands in solidarity, raising the “Stop VAW” sign to reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women.
Chairperson Valdeavilla left the more than 100 participants with a powerful reminder of the campaign’s urgency: “As our landmarks turn orange, we are not simply raising awareness. We are raising the stakes. We are saying that every institution, every community, every individual must now answer: What will you do to end violence against women?”