In a recent online conference, Babaeng Biya(hero), was put forth as the national campaign of Safe and Fair Philippines with a theme, “Realizing women migrant workers’ rights and opportunities in the ASEAN region”, marking the third year of the organization’s implementation in continuing its commitment in providing more Filipina migrant workers with information and assistance that to support them in achieving a safe and fair migration experience.  

Babaeng Biya(hero), a play on the words “biyahe” (Filipino for journey) and hero, aims to increase Filipina migrant workers’ and their families’ access to important information and essential services throughout the different phases of migration: pre-departure, in transit, on-site/abroad and upon their return.  

Today, in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the campaign seeks to further amplify its cause as it launches Maine Mendoza as the Babaeng Biya(hero) Celebrity Champion. 

The actress and social media maven is set to be launched in the campaign’s event, Together Tayo Babaeng Biya(hero), #SafeSaanMan—a Facebook live session hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera which seeks to widen the public’s awareness on the current state of Filipina migrant workers amid the pandemic.

Likewise, the program presents updates on the Babaeng Biya(hero) initiative that can help out more Filipina migrant workers—such as the Babaeng Biya(hero) website, mobile app, helpline, and the upcoming “May I Help You?” information kiosk in major airports to be launched next month.  

This initiative also kickstarts the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25 to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The Philippine version of the campaign is the 18 Days Campaign to End Violence against Women which is extended until Dec 12, when the Philippine government signed in 2000 the United Nations Optional Protocols against human trafficking and smuggling. 

Lending her time and talent as Babaeng Biya(hero)’s new Celebrity Champion, Mendoza has proven herself to be a staunch ally of workers here and abroad through her personal endeavors and roles portrayed in TV and film projects. She espouses Safe and Fair Philippines’ values of an empowered force who has the capacity to inspire her fellow women, especially during these unprecedented times.  

“For decades, Filipina migrant workers have faced, but have also stood up and campaigned against abuses, violence and labour exploitation. The violations continue, and have been worsened by the COVID pandemic,” shares ILO National Project Coordinator Rex Varona. 

“The current health crisis has clearly intensified the risk of gender-based violence due to isolation, restricted mobility and the lack of attention to,” adds UN Women National Project Coordinator Charisse Jordan. “With the lockdown, women migrant workers, including those who remained in destination countries or were forced to return home, are trapped with abusive family members, employers and perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence.”