The Regional Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children II (RCAT-VAWC II) convened its second-quarter meeting for 2025 on 17 June at Hotel Carmelita, Tuguegarao City. The meeting, attended by RCAT-VAWC members, aimed to review past resolutions and discuss new strategies addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the region. Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, with attending member Zontian Corinne Postrado Mamba, represents civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region. Its impactful campaign against gender-based violence is well-recognized by its partners in the government and private sectors.

Key highlights of the meeting included updates on gender-based violence cases provided by representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDOs).

Among the key issues discussed were the establishment of temporary shelters for GBV survivors in first-class municipalities, localization of Republic Act 11930—the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act—and promotion of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) program within workplaces.

The committee also reported on recent accomplishments during the National Women’s Month celebration and finalized the schedule for its next meeting.

The session adjourned with members reaffirming the committee’s commitment to strengthening protective measures and advocacy for women and children’s welfare in the region.

The Zonta Club of Launceston Inc, Australia, has helped bring a bold new domestic violence awareness campaign to the streets, funding a message on a Metro bus that reads, “Prevent the violence, stop the hidden abuse.”

Unveiled in June and set to run on all Launceston routes for six months, the initiative was led by the Launceston White Ribbon Committee and made possible through the club’s donation, with design support from Lomond Arthur Design.

“This message reminds people that what we see is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Zonta president and White Ribbon chair Carol Fuller. “It sticks with you — even if you don’t read it closely.”

Amid rising national concern and statistics showing that over one-third of Australian men have used intimate partner violence, advocates say cultural norms, gender stereotypes and everyday sexism continue to fuel abuse that often goes unseen.

“We need everyone to recognize and call out harmful behaviors,” said White Ribbon member Sallyann Geale. “What you walk by is what you accept — and we can choose to stop doing that.”

St. Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL), in partnership with the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, continues to empower the next generation of leaders through its flagship voter education program “BIDA BAYANI: Ambag Ko sa Bayan Ko”, held recently at SMCL for both onsite students and online viewers.

Now in its third year, the forum emphasized the importance of responsible and informed voting, especially among first-time and young voters. It featured a panel of esteemed speakers, including Attorney Lorna Patajo-Capunan, former Zonta International District 17 Area 5 Director and a prominent lawyer in the Philippines; Marion Joseph Villar, Education Governance Program Officer at The Asia Foundation; and Jude Liao, Executive Director of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

The initiative—organized in cooperation with the SMCL Foundation Inc., PPCRV, Z and Golden Z Clubs of SMCL and the Zonta club—encouraged students to scrutinize candidate platforms, verify credentials and avoid disinformation. Organizers emphasized that informed voting decisions can create a lasting, positive impact on communities and the democratic process.

Legal Help Desk for human trafficking victims launched

In a pioneering move for the Zonta Club of Laguna, the organization launched the Legally Zonta Help Desk—a first-of-its-kind initiative providing direct support and legal assistance for survivors of human trafficking and abuse.

The Help Desk serves as a confidential and secure resource center where victims can access legal guidance, counseling, and emergency assistance. Staffed by qualified legal professionals and counselors, the initiative bridges the gap between survivors and the services they need by integrating connections to local law enforcement, crisis centers and healthcare providers.

More than just a help desk, it is a vital lifeline and a commitment to ensure that survivors have access to justice and recovery.

‘Loving Embrace’ Medical Mission brings care to survivors

In another effort to support trafficking survivors, Zonta Club of Laguna, in collaboration with the MOB Foundation, JCI Damas De San Pedro, and the Congressional Office of Rep. Ann Matibag, conducted a one-day medical mission titled Loving Embrace at a shelter in Antipolo City.

Led by Dr. M. Borabien and Dr. C. Gacoba, the outreach program provided free medical consultations, cervical cancer vaccinations for female survivors, distribution of medicines, and preventive health education. Survivors also received care kits and participated in a day of fun and healing, which included entertainment, gift-giving and meals sponsored by Jollibee.