Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in NY wear orange cloth masks, orange being the official color of the anti-Violence Against Women (VAW) Campaign, as a show of support to the cause. (Photo by NYPCCG).

25 November 2020, New York – Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) wore orange face masks in observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). The campaign began on 25 November, and will end on 12 December.  Orange face masks were also given away to clients during the first day of the campaign.

In addition to the masks, information on the campaign along with orange-themed giveaways have been placed at the Philippine Center’s entrance in order to increase public awareness about the 18-day campaign to end VAW.

As studies have shown that incidents of gender-based violence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic,[1] the theme, “VAW-free Community Starts With me,” is particularly relevant this year. It is hoped that through this Campaign, everyone acquires a personal stake in ending VAW.

“The Philippine Consulate General in New York is committed to ending all kinds of violence against women by supporting gender equality, including empowering our female personnel and all our female kababayans,” said Consul General Petronila P. Garcia.

Personnel of the Philippine Center Management Board and the Social Security System also wore orange face masks in support of the campaign. END.