As part of the 2025 National Women’s Month celebration and in line with Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla’s fervent support to end violence against women (VAW), the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) and the National Prosecution Service (NPS) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) facilitated the Justice in Action Lecture Series: Updates on VAW-Related Laws at the University of Baguio (UB) on 06 March 2025.

147 law students and 3 faculty members from the UB, 43 law students from the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), and 7 law students from the University of the Cordilleras (UC) took part in the activity.

Regional Prosecutor Christian Paul L. Ulpindo personally welcomed the participants, guests, lecturers, and collaborators.

Ms. Amelyn P. Cabrera, the Assistant Regional Director for Operations of the DSWD FO CAR and Chief of the Protective Service Division, then gave her keynote address, explaining that VAW is a societal concern that demands collective action.

Additionally, Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez urged everyone to stand-up against VAW and be the voice of those who were silenced by fear.

Usec. Gutierrez further explained that this activity intends to create a safer and more just society for all women.

Following this, Atty. Rubie Lorraine S. Bogya-Lictao, Associate Provincial Prosecutor of La Union discussed about the Board of Claims (RA 7309), the Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998 (RA 8505), the Special Penal Laws on Protection of Women (RA 9262, RA 7877, and RA 11313), and related jurisprudence.

Meanwhile, the second speaker, Ms. Klarisa A. Natavio from the DSWD Field Office in CAR conducted a comprehensive discussion on how VAW cases are handled.

For the closing remarks, DOJAC Program Director Joan Carla V. Guevarra, as represented by Atty. Augusto B. Cubias III made the attendees watch an audio/visual presentation about the DOJAC's recent collaboration with DSWD in referring clients, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors like women in need of social assistance.

As one of the main facilitators of the activity, the DOJAC challenged the attendees to unwaveringly promote gender equality and take action against VAW.

"This lecture series perfectly demonstrates our unwavering resolve to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of our laws in order to efficiently administer an efficient justice system. Never stop pursuing greater heights in learning and mastering our laws, especially those that affect the well-being of our women, Happy National Women's Month to all," Secretary Remulla said.