ISUFST men lead call to end violence against women

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Male administrators, faculty, and staff of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) stepped forward as advocates in the fight against gender-based violence during the university’s HeForShe and VAWC (Violence Against Women and Their Children) awareness event held on Dec. 5, 2025, at the ISUFST Main Campus–Poblacion Site Social Hall in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

With the theme “Real Men, Real Change: Standing Against Violence, Promoting Equality,” the program called on men not only as supporters but as active allies in prevention, accountability, and cultural change. It emphasized that protecting women and children is not a women’s issue alone but a shared human responsibility, and that when men speak out, more listen, because ending violence begins with choosing respect every day.

GAD Director Dr. Lenirose B. Mondero presented the rationale of the event, acknowledging that many cases of VAWC persist not because people are unaware of the law but because harmful norms remain unchallenged. “We address violence by changing behavior, not only policies,” she noted.

The keynote talk, “HeForShe: The Role of Men in Ending Violence Against Women,” was delivered by Atty. Roy B. Castro Jr., CPA, supervising administrative officer for finance, who highlighted the power of legislation, particularly Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. “The law is more than punishment,” he stressed. “It is a shield—protecting a woman’s dignity, her right to safety, her right to be heard, and her right to live without fear.” Castro added that knowing the law is not only a legal concern but a community obligation.

A guided conversation followed, facilitated by Instructor Jonard Verdeflor, where participants reflected on how everyday actions—language, attitudes, silence, or interventions—contribute to either protecting or enabling violence. The exchange revealed that while laws exist, cultural change remains the longer battle.

A panel discussion, “Men as Allies: Real Stories of Standing Against Violence,” featured Atty. Joey Mondero, Atty. Roy Castro Jr., Dr. Herman M. Lagon, and Mr. Eraño Mendoza, who shared personal experiences—from intervening in harassment and supporting survivors to reshaping gender roles at home and in the workplace. One recurring message echoed through the panel: Silence enables violence; advocacy interrupts it.

Atty. Mondero, who has handled multiple VAWC cases in his years of law practice, shared sobering lessons from the legal front lines. “Behind every complaint is not just a statement—it is trauma retold,” he said. “I’ve seen women arrive with fear, shame, and bruises that are not always visible. When a woman finally asks for help, it’s often because she has run out of places to hide.”

Mondero emphasized the role of legal practitioners as protectors of dignity, not just interpreters of the law. “Justice is not paperwork,” he added. “Our task is to listen, to believe, and to make the law mean something to those who need it most.”

Atty. Castro Jr. reinforced the value of emotional sensitivity in preventing abuse before it reaches the courts. “Being sensitive to what others feel is strength,” Castro said. “RA 9262 exists because society failed to listen early enough.” Dr. Lagon encouraged the audience to anchor equality in personal relationships. “If we imagine every woman as someone we love—as family—we begin to choose kindness and justice naturally,” he noted. “Gender equality isn’t about power; it’s about shared humanity.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Mendoza, GAD coordinator, grounded the conversation in daily behavior. “Respect starts in the small things—tone, presence, patience,” he said. “If we practice respect consistently, violence loses its roots.” Facilitated by Verdeflor, the panel invited students and staff to reflect on accountability as a shared discipline—one built not only in laws but in habits, language, and conscience.

The event continues with a Sports for a Cause volleyball and basketball match this afternoon, symbolizing teamwork and unity in protecting women’s rights and dignity.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Peter John Velasco reminded participants that the commitment does not end after the forum. “Real change is not an event—it’s a daily practice.”

Participants left the hall not only informed but challenged: For violence to stop, men must stand up—not aside. (PAMMCO)