MOVE Aklan Chapter In International Women’s Day

by TERENCE T. TORIANO

Kalibo, Aklan – MOVE, Aklan Chapter, one of the most active groups that advocates the protection of the rights of women and children took its most active role this March 11, 2009 during the celebration of the International Women’s Day where Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and MOVE member Andoy Gelito read the SP Resolution Number 2008-365 titled "Proposing the Organization of Men Opposing Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) in Aklan".

Although MOVE Aklan Chapter is in existence for more than two years now, MOVE President Aklan Chapter Franklin Quimpo pointed out that the resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan will make the civic actions and activities of the organization worthwhile since there is solid support from the provincial government.

In a move of support, the Municipality of Kalibo under Mayor Raymar Rebaldo’s tutelage added the organization of MOVE Kalibo Chapter and chapters in Barangays to its 3-Year Gender and Development Plan aimed to rally the men against VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) Crimes and make it an organization of advocacy since three of LGU-Kalibo’s employees are active members.

According to Rebaldo, the beginnings of the MOVE may result to the sudden surge of VAWC cases due to its effective information dissemination campaign where women will grow bolder in reporting abuses and that number will grow as the women become more empowered and the abusers either go to jail and realize his mistakes. /MP