PARTICIPANTS from different local government units, non-government organizations, inter-agency councils and international ministries gathered as one in prayer to #ENDOSEC (End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children) last Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu for the Visayas Prayer Gathering (VPG) 2018.
The VPG 2018 was a culminating activity for the annual celebration of the 18-day campaign to end VAW (Violence against Women), which is pursuant to the Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 – Declaring Nov. 25 to Dec. 12 as the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women with the theme “VAW-free community starts with me.”
“The violence now has become more complicated,” said Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, Department of Social Welfare and Development 7 Director, referring to the use of the internet in sexual crimes. Taking a verse from the Bible, she also said: “For where two or three gather in my name, truly it will be done. We are more than two here. Dako gyud nig epekto ang atong gathering (this gathering will have a huge impact).
“The Philippines is the global hot spot of this OSEC. We must be one in combating OSEC,” said John Tanagho, Cebu field office director of the International Justice Mission.
Aside from the directed prayers from the different agencies that took an active part in this campaign, praise and worship songs filled the area. Moreover, as a pledge of commitment, participants took part in the signing of the #ENDOSEC Commitment Boards.
The activity ended with a community dance to the “One Billion Rising” theme song of the campaign.