Youth employees of the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA–NFRDI) joined youth leaders from various sectors for the “#VAWfreePH? Youth Got This!” Forum held on November 25, 2025, at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The activity also marked the formal launch of the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), a platform aimed at empowering young people to champion a VAW-free Philippines and strengthening collaboration between government and private partners.

The forum highlighted the contributions of young people through discussions that incorporated diverse youth perspectives, underscoring how their creativity, digital literacy, and sense of social responsibility help shape national conversations on gender equality.

Resource speakers PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla and Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) Olongapo President Manuel Gabriel emphasized the crucial role of Filipino youth in efforts to end violence against women. They underscored the youth’s capacity to influence mindsets, encourage responsible online behavior, and help build communities rooted in respect and inclusivity.

A scientific perspective on “reference points” further emphasized the importance of timely interventions in preventing harm, mirroring the need for proactive and coordinated action against VAW. As violence can occur in homes, workplaces, schools, and online spaces, addressing it requires shared responsibility across government, organizations, and communities.

Participation in this national campaign reaffirms NFRDI’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach to empowering women and girls, particularly within the fisheries and coastal communities it serves. Through initiatives such as VAWfreePH, the Institute continues to strengthen its Gender and Development (GAD) efforts by ensuring that its programs, projects, and activities uphold gender sensitivity and responsiveness, promote safe spaces, and empower youth and stakeholders across the fisheries sector. ### (Odry Paclibar and Joseph Emmanuel Ricafort)