By Kenneth Marcos 
Staff across DA-PhilRice stations arrived at work on Monday wearing bright orange shirts, a color chosen to symbolize hope and a firm stand against abuse. The simple act marked the start of this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, an annual reminder that safety and dignity are rights every woman should enjoy.
DA-PhilRice reaffirmed its commitment to fighting all forms of violence against women as it launched its 2025 campaign. The agency said its nationwide participation aims to raise awareness, provide education, and strengthen support systems within the workplace and the communities it serves.
To help employees better understand women’s rights and the protections available under the law, PhilRice will hold a series of seminars covering the Safe Spaces Act and the Magna Carta of Women. These sessions are designed to guide staff in identifying, preventing, and reporting harassment and abuse—issues that often go unspoken in many workplaces and households.
The agency will also facilitate mental health discussions, recognizing that emotional well-being is closely tied to safety and empowerment. Self-defense training is planned for staff who wish to build confidence and practical skills. Alongside these, PhilRice will conduct a donation drive for persons deprived of liberty (PDL), highlighting that compassion must extend even to women in vulnerable and overlooked situations.
To keep the momentum alive throughout the 18-day campaign, employees will take part in “Orange Fridays,” group activities, film screenings, and online advocacy efforts. Organizers believe these efforts can help spark conversations and encourage more people to stand against gender-based violence.
Violence against women remains a serious issue in the Philippines. Government data in recent years show thousands of reported cases nationwide, though advocates warn that many more incidents go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of resources. Campaigns like this aim to break that silence by empowering women and educating the public.
DA-PhilRice officials said the goal is not only to raise awareness but also to build a culture where women feel protected, valued, and heard. They encouraged all employees and partner communities to take part in the activities and to continue supporting efforts that promote gender equality and safe spaces.
As the campaign continues, the agency hopes that each activity—big or small—helps strengthen the nationwide movement to end violence against women. Protecting women, they emphasized, is essential to building stronger families, healthier workplaces, and a more humane society.
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