The Gender and Development Program of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV GDP) and the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network held activities in Iloilo City and Miagao as part of the One Billion Rising campaign this February.
GDP Director and Ugsad Coordinator Prof. Kezzie Lyn Hilado gave a rationale for the campaign to start the activity held at the Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City on Feb. 14, 2025, participated in by various national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
This was followed by a prayer to end violence against women and solidarity messages from Ugsad representatives, including UP Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong.
The attendees then participated in the One Billion Rising campaign dance titled “Isang Bilyong Babae ang Babangon."
A joint program between the GDP and the Digital Innovation Center (DIC) was held on Feb. 17 at the UPV New Administration Building, Miagao campus, instead of the regular flag-raising ceremony held every Monday.
DIC Director Prof. Rhea Subong-Espina talked about standing in solidarity with women who have been victims of violence.
One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women (cisgender, transgender, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender-based violence) in human history.
The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that one in three women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. This year’s theme is “Rise for Freedom.” (With sources from onebillionrising.org)
