Under the early morning sky of Iloilo City, more than five hundred advocates gathered at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand along Muelle Loney Street on February 13, 2026—not merely to dance, but to declare a collective stand against violence.
The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Gender and Development Program (GDP), together with the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network, spearheaded the 2026 One Billion Rising (OBR) Campaign in Western Visayas. Around 564 participants from government agencies, academic institutions, local government units, and civil society organizations filled the historic venue, transforming it into a space of solidarity, awareness, and action.
Opening the program, Prof. Kezzie Lyn B. Hilado, Director of UPV GDP and Coordinator of Ugsad, set the tone with an interactive myth-busting activity about VAWC that immediately engaged the crowd. Addressing partners from across sectors, Prof. Hilado emphasized the urgency of collective accountability.
“We rise because the facts are clear and urgent: one in three women globally—that’s nearly one billion—will experience violence in her lifetime. In the Philippines, thousands of cases of violence against women and girls continue to be reported every year—and many more remain unheard.”
She pointed to recent global events that expose how violence can be deeply embedded in systems of power.
“The release of the Epstein files exposed how a network of powerful individuals was able to traffic and abuse underaged girls for decades, shielded by wealth, influence, and silence. Ini nga kampanya isa ini ka panawagan,” she declared. “It’s a call for action and accountability towards a safer and more peaceful community.”
The ceremony continued with a multi-sectoral prayer to End Violence Against Women, led by representatives from Ugsad Partner institutions starting from Ms. April Grace Padilla (Philippine Information Agency Region VI), Engr. Jane Chua (Department of Public Works and Highways Region VI), Mr. John Maurice Caban (Department of Social Welfare and Development Region VI), Ms. Divine Grace Guacin (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region VI), Ms. Mylene Ocayo (Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Region VI), Ms. Jennifer C. Bungar (Province of Guimaras), and Mr. John Ronn Borromeo (St. Therese MTC Colleges).
Messages of solidarity were delivered by Lucia Francisco of GABRIELA Panay and Guimaras, Dr. Alma Mae Torremoro of Iloilo Science and Technology University, Ms. Luna S. Moscoso of DSWD Field Office VI, and Iloilo City Councilor Grace Parcon-Torres, each affirming their commitment to advancing gender justice in Western Visayas.
Participants also joined a trivia activity designed to deepen understanding of the origins and goals of the global One Billion Rising movement. Laughter and learning intertwined as myths were corrected and commitments renewed.
The highlight of the morning was the dance mobilization to “Isang Bilyong Babae ang Babangon.” As the music filled the grandstand, participants moved in synchronized steps—arms raised, voices strong—embodying the campaign’s theme: “Rise for Our Bodies, Our Earth, Our Future.”
More than a performance, the dance was a declaration. One Billion Rising is a global call to end systemic violence and oppression experienced by over one billion women worldwide. It demands protection, healing, and empowerment—ensuring that survivors reclaim their strength and dignity.
Closing her message, Prof. Hilado reminded the crowd that rising is not just a one-day act.
“So today, we rise not only in movement, but in commitment to protect rights, uphold dignity, and end violence in all its forms. Let this campaign renew our resolve: to listen to survivors, to act with courage, and to rise not only today, but every day.”
As the sun climbed higher over Iloilo City, the message was clear: Western Visayas continues to rise united, vigilant, and unwavering, in the fight to end gender-based violence.
Written by UPV Gender and Development Program
Photos courtesy of Alven Polido, UPV-IPO
