THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development has rolled out its campaign to end Violence Against Women and Children  in all evacuation centers nationwide, reinforcing protective measures for vulnerable groups during disasters.

According to Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group, the initiative complements the nationwide 18-day Campaign to End VAW, observed each year from November 25 to December 12.

“This year’s powerful and deeply relevant theme – Sa EC, Walang VAWC – is a direct and profound call to action that resonates at the very core of the DSWD’s mandate,” Dumlao said.

As the agency responsible for evacuation center (EC) operations during emergencies such as typhoons and earthquakes, the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) ensures that these shelters are not only safe from physical danger but also secure, dignified, and free from violence.

“This visible commitment underscores the DSWD’s philosophy that disaster response is more than just providing assistance – it is, at its core, about safeguarding all people, particularly vulnerable populations,” Dumlao added.

To enforce the “no-VAWC in ECs” directive, the DRMB has strengthened protection mechanisms through several integrated programs. These include gender-responsive camp management — integrating VAWC-prevention protocols into daily operations. Measures include separate sanitation facilities, improved lighting, and designated safe spaces for women and children.

The DSWD has also activated protection desks — staffed by trained DRMB personnel and partner agencies — to provide immediate assistance, psychosocial support, and legal referrals for affected individuals.

Dumlao said the agency continues to enhance the capabilities of its Quick Response Teams and camp managers through regular training on relevant laws, including Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), both of which affirm that VAWC remains a public offense even during disasters.

Information and awareness efforts are also being intensified: anti-VAWC materials, hotlines, and reporting mechanisms are now prominently displayed and easily accessible in evacuation sites.

“The 18-day campaign serves as a crucial reminder that the agency’s disaster response initiatives are always geared toward prioritizing the safety, dignity, and protection of women and children,” Dumlao emphasized.

In support of the campaign, DSWD personnel have adorned their workstations with orange ribbons — the global symbol of the movement to eliminate violence against women and girls.