THE Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon has chosen the Capas National Shrine (CNS) as an icon of the "End Violence Against Women" campaign of the government.
The shrine's obelisk was illuminated with orange lights as part of the Orange Your Icon for 18 Days
drive launched by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in consonance with the program against violence against women (VAW).
During the event, Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan cited the physical and sexual abuses the Filipino women experienced from the hands of Japanese soldiers during the World War II.
The mayor at the same time expressed support to the End VAW campaign of the national government.
In solidarity with the United Nation's UNiTE to end Violence Against Women Campaign, the PCW launched the “Orange Your Icon for 18 Days” campaign.
DOT Central Luzon under the leadership of Director Carolina Uy, said the program's idea is to create awareness and attract the public's curiosity on why major landmarks or icons nationwide are colored orange.
It is aimed to raise consciousness of a wider audience in taking action on violence against women as a public issue.
As a bright and optimistic color, orange represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls.
Present during the lighting ceremony were
Tourism Integrates, Supports, and Minds Women's Rights and Child Safety (Tourism Worcs) Officer Lois Apphia D. Cayanan, Shrine Curator Darwin Campo, and other officials.