In celebration of the 2019 International Women’s Week, SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) sponsored a lecture on Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) for 17 scholars. Held on March 9, the interactive lecture was led by Hon. Gretchen F. Valdez, Women’s Sectoral Representative to the Sangguniang Bayan of Echague, Isabela. It was attended by students under the company’s Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships (BRIGHTS) program. Valdez shared her advocacies on empowering women and children to fight for their rights and against all forms of violence. Particular focus was given on salient provisions of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-VAWC Act.

“Hindi kailanman uunlad ang bayan hangga’t hindi lumalaya ang kababaihan mula sa tanikala ng pagkaalipin at pagsasamantala. (The nation will never progress until women are freed from the bonds of slavery and exploitation),” shared Valdez during her opening statement.

The scholarship initiative, under SNAP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, targets deserving students with limited means from its immediate host communities. Aside from financial assistance, BRIGHTS also seeks to develop well-rounded leaders through initiatives such as the Anti-VAWC lecture. “It is our hope that our scholars may know that there is no place for violence against women and children in this modern age,” remarked SNAP-Magat Chief Corporate Services Officer Atty. Mike C. Hosillos.

Jun-Jun Pumalo, a student from Ifugao State University shared his reflection from the lecture. “Respecting women should start from myself. As a student teacher, I will encourage men to respect women. I always remind my students that all women deserve to be respected.”

Abigael Del Rosario of Isabela State University-Echague Campus also expressed her appreciation for the session, as well as her willingness to help spread this advocacy to others, “I will apply the learning I gained from this (lecture) and will also share these to my friends and my classmates.”

Renewable energy provider SNAP-Magat is a joint venture between SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower. SNAP-Magat is part of SNAP Group, a leading provider and developer of renewable energy in the Philippines.

IN PHOTO: Hon. Gretchen F. Valdez (front, sixth from left) posed with BRIGHTS scholars and SNAP-Magat’s CSR team during the lecture on Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children held in celebration of the 2019 International Women’s Day.