In unwavering support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC), the Isabela State University – Roxas Campus (ISU Roxas) participated in a solemn advocacy mass held at Our Lady of La Salette Parish, Roxas, Isabela. The event served as a significant manifestation of the campus’ commitment to promoting gender equality, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening community-wide efforts to end violence against women and children—an action strongly aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, particularly the target to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
The nationwide campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 12, aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence and reinforce the responsibility of schools, institutions, and local communities to protect vulnerable sectors. ISU Roxas commenced its local observance through the advocacy mass to highlight unity, faith, and collective action in addressing the enduring challenges faced by women and children. This effort contributes to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments through strengthened community partnerships.
During the mass, Rev. Fr. Elmer B. Lozano, Parish Priest of Our Lady of La Salette Parish, delivered a powerful homily underscoring the moral and social imperative of standing against violence. He encouraged the faithful—students, faculty members, campus officials, and community partners—to cultivate compassion, respect, empathy, and accountability in all spheres of life. His message reinforced the collective duty to uphold human dignity and advocate for peaceful, inclusive communities, in line with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16.
The liturgical celebration included special prayers for survivors of violence, petitions for stronger institutions that safeguard the rights of women and children, and intentions for creating safe spaces in homes, schools, and communities. These intentions support both SDG 4: Quality Education—which promotes safe and non-violent learning environments—and SDG 5 by ensuring the welfare of women and children.
Representatives from ISU Roxas actively participated in the readings, offertory rites, and responses, symbolizing the university’s solidarity with the national cause. Their involvement reflects ISU Roxas’ ongoing commitment to integrating gender-responsive and rights-based initiatives within the academic community, a key contribution to SDG 5 and SDG 16.
Furthermore, ISU Roxas Gender and Development (GAD) advocates expressed their gratitude for the partnership with Our Lady of La Salette Parish, noting that the mass strengthens the university’s efforts toward gender-responsive education and community engagement. They emphasized that the event not only raises awareness but also inspires students and personnel to champion equality, human rights, and social justice beyond the campus—values central to the advancement of SDG 5 and SDG 16.
