DepEd Memorandum 106, s. 2025
DEC 05 2025
DepEd MEMORANDUM
No. 106, s. 2025
2025 OBSERVANCE OF THE 18-DAY CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau and Service Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division Superintendents
Public and Private Elementary and Secondary School Heads
All Others Concerned
1. Despite significant progress made over the years. violence against women (VAW) remains a pervasive and deeply rooted human rights violation and social concern, both in the Philippines and globally. The 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 4.9 million Filipinas aged 15-49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from an intimate partner. This alarming figure underscores the persistence of gender-based violence even as awareness and advocacy efforts have intensified.
2. Within learning environments, similar patterns of violence and abuse have also surfaced. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA, 2019) reported that 65% of Filipino students have experienced bullying, equivalent to one (1) in three (3) learners, with 43% of girls and 53% of boys reporting incidents of school-based bullying (PISA, 2022 as cited in EDCOM II, 2024). Such realities highlight the urgent need to create safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive learning spaces, as these forms of violence directly hinder the country's progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
3. At the global level, the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1979 the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, defining Violence Against Women (VAW) as any act of gender-based violence that result in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private lire. Gender-based violence is any violence inflicted on women because of their sex. Building on this global commitment, the Philippines became the first ASEAN country to sign and ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1981, reinforcing its dedication to upholding women's rights and eliminating all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence.
4. In support of these international commitments, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), through Memorandum Circular No. 2025-08 titled, “Guide for the 2025 Observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW),” from November 25 to December 12, 2025, which calls on every Juan and Juana to stand in solidarity in building a safer and more just future for women and girls in the Philippines.
5. Aligned with this national call, the Department of Education (DepEd), as the lead agency mandated to govern basic education, reaffirms its commitment in upholding Presidential Proclamation No. 1172, s. 2006 and Republic Act (RA) No. 10398 or the "National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children," and DepEd Order (DO) No. 32, s. 2017 or the “Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy.”
6. The DepEd shall lead public and private school communities at all levels in organizing consciousness-raising activities on VAWC. This annual campaign shall have the recurring (2022-2027) theme titled, “UniTEd for a YAW-free Philippines,” focuses on advancing a whole-of-nation approach by mobilizing diverse voice and key players, including youth as changemakers, men as proactive allies, bystanders as empowered responders and local leaders as catalysts for policy-driven transformation, in a shared commitment to fully eliminate gender-based violence, empower survivors and promote justice (PCW, 2025).
7. In connection herewith, all levels of governance of the DepEd, including the Central Office (CO), regional, schools division offices, and schools, as well as private basic education institutions, are encouraged to participate in the 2025 18-Day Campaign to End VAW from November 25 to December 12, 2025. The same are encouraged to undertake programs and/or activities based on the suggested events of the PCW Memorandum Circular No. 2025-08 (Guide for the 2025 Observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women [YAW]) and may also initiate their activities within the contemplation of the 2025 18-Day Campaign to End YAW. The conduct of these activities must be in compliance with the applicable provisions of DO No. 09, s. 2005 titled, “Instituting Measures to Increase Engaged Time-on-Task and Ensuring Compliance Therewith.” The programs/activities are as follows:
a. Inclusion in Flag-Raising Ceremonies YAW-related presentations and other campaign materials can be shown in flag ceremonies throughout the campaign period, including the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang video and the Prayer to End Violence Against Women (https://library.pcw.gov.ph/prayer-toend-violence-against-women/).
b. Display of Campaign Banner - The official campaign banner can be printed (with the participating stakeholders' own logo) and displayed at conspicuous places in their respective offices and landmarks.
c. Online Participation - under the #VAWfreePH and other campaign-related hashtags, stakeholders can signify their support for the advocacy through various ways:
· Upload the official campaign logo, banner, advocacy videos, and other materials on websites and social media accounts;
· Share YAW-related news, articles, photos, and other relevant information online using #VAWfreePH and other campaign hashtags;
· Use the 18-day Campaign to End YAW Facebook Profile Frame, which is available on the PCW Face book page; and
· Download, send, and use anti-VAW digital sticker packs on messaging platforms like Viber and Telegram.
d. #OrangeYourlcon Movement - This initiative invites government and private institutions across the country to light up landmarks, buildings, or icons in orange during the campaign. More than just a visual spectacle, this initiative sparks public interest, transforms everyday spaces into platforms for awareness, and inspires conversation around ending violence against women and girls.
e. The Orange Exhibit - Set up The Orange Exhibit: Journey towards a VAW-free Philippines at the stakeholders' offices within the campaign period. Stakeholders may also develop their own version of the "Orange Exhibit" to chronicle agencies' achievements in the fight against VAW. Related materials are accessible through this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WOyUrxsDlewlcgOtmP0OmnVLFr_VDBQE
f. Public showing of VAW-related videos - VAW-related videos produced by the PCW may be shown publicly via electronic billboards, television/radio programs, and other platforms or venues (To download for free, visit the PCW Digital GAD Library, PCW YouTube channel, and PCW Facebook page).
g. Dissemination of information, education, and communication materials - Distribute updated VAW-related information, education, and communication (I EC) materials during the campaign period. PCW-produced publication materials may also be printed and used, provided that the original content, design. and integrity of the materials are retained.
h. Translate IEC materials to local major languages - Support the localization of key messages by translating IEC materials into major local languages spoken in the community. This ensures inclusivity and wider reach, especially for grassroots audiences. Translated materials should retain the original meaning, tone, and intent of the messages, while remaining culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate.
i. Conduct of other VAW-related Activities - Organize relevant, timely, and impactful activities such as discussions, orientations, and learning sessions on VAW, anti-VAW laws, and VAW services during the campaign period for both internal and external stakeholders.
j. Conduct of Regional and Local Campaign Activities – Coordinate and collaborate with other government regional offices or local government units to hold activities related to the 18-day Campaign to End VAW.
k. Unity Walk for End VAW - a solidarity activity where learners, teachers, staff, parents, and community partners walk together within or around the school/community to raise awareness on VAWC. It demonstrates shared responsibility in creating safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces.
1. Advocating for Positive Masculinity - Organize activities that emphasize positive masculinity and the crucial roles of male advocates in anti-VAW advocacy.
DepEd Central Office-Initiated Activities
a. Online Kick-Off Activity - The Bureau of Human Resources and Organizational Development-Employee Welfare Division (BHRODEWD) Gender and Development (GAD) Secretariat will be conducting an online kick-off activity through a Feminist Café designed to safe and interactive digital space featuring capacity-building and educational sessions, in partnership with feminist organizations, GAD experts, and advocates.
b. 18 Araw, 18 Kaalaman Laban sa VAW - In partnership with the Public Affairs Service, this initiative aims to deliver daily facts, statistics, and insights on VAW during the 18-day Campaign to End VAW via email blast/newsletter. This reinforces sustained learning and keeps the issue visible in everyday workspaces.
c. Free legal consultation on YAW-related concerns - In collaboration with the Office of the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, free legal consultations will be offered to employees and clients. This ensures access to justice and practical support for those directly or indirectly affected by VAW.
d. Shelf care Nook - A dedicated reading space will be set up in DepEd CO, Pasig City, and Techzone, Makati City, featuring books, pamphlets, and other YAW-related materia]s. This provides staff and visitors with opportunities to engage in independent learning and reflection.
e. Launching of the DepEd MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere) campaign, along with the conduct of a Pledge of Commitment among the male personnel of DepEd CO to End Violence Against Women.
f. Unity Walk for End VAW - Facilitated by the BHROD-EWD GAD Secretariat, a unity walk is the culminating activity wherein DepEd CO employees and partners walk together within the DepEd CO, Pasig City vicinity as a show of support and unwavering commitment in advocating for a VAW-free learning environment, instilling the importance of respect for human rights and gender equality for all.
Official Campaign Hashtag
8. The official hashtag #VAWfreePH shall be used across all digital platforms during the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW to unify efforts, raise public awareness, and foster solidarity. Participating stakeholders are encouraged to include the hashtag in all online materials and posts to amplify the campaign's message of building a VAW-free and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas.
Use of Gender and Development Budget.
9. DepEd offices may charge expenses related to the implementation of activities for the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW to their respective GAO Budgets. provided that such activities are consistent with the theme, objectives, and overall focus of the Campaign as stipulated in PCW Memorandum Circular 2025-08 and are aligned with their mandates and functions. These activities shall also be duly reflected in their fiscal year 2025 GAD Accomplishment Reports. Nothing in this Memorandum shall be construed as an amendment to existing policies on GAD Planning and Budgeting, or to any applicable procurement, financial. or administrative regulations, including those set forth under RA No. 12009 ( New Government Procurement Act) and relevant issuances by oversight agencies.
10. For the PCW-organized activities and schedules, as well as further information on the guidelines, all concerned may visit PCW social media accounts @PCWgovPH (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Viber).
11. For more information and coordination, please contact the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development-Employee Welfare Division Gender and Development Secretariat through email at gfps.secret.ariat@deped.gov.ph or telephone number (02) 8633-7229.
12. Immediate dissemination this Memorandum is desired
By Authority of the Secretary:
(Sgd.) ATTY. FATIMA LIPP D. PANONTONGAN
Undersecretary and Chief of Staff
Encl.:
As stated
Reference:
DepEd Order (Nos. 32, s. 2017 and 09, s. 2005)
DepEd Memorandum No. 065, s. 2024
To be indicated in the Perpetual Index
under the following subjects:
BUREAUS AND OFFICES
CAMPAIGN
CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIV/\.LS
EMPLOYEES
OFFICIALS
PROGRAMS
SCHOOLS
TEACHERS
A full copy of DepEd Memorandum No. 106, s. 2025 below:
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