The Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) Olongapo City Chapter (MOCC) took a significant step forward in their mission to combat gender-based violence by holding their first coordination meeting with barangay officials and functionaries on May 17, 2023. The meeting, presided over by MOCC Chairman Manuel M. Gabriel, took place at the FMA Hall, City Hall Complex, West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City. This gathering marked the follow-through of MOCC's Agenda Phase-I: the establishment of MOVE Offices in the 17 Barangays of Olongapo City, as well as the commencement of Phase-II: Usapang Lalaki Para sa VAWC Free Olongapo.


The primary objective of Phase II is to bring together Barangay MOVE members and create a supportive environment for men facing patriarchal challenges within their households. This initiative encourages men to take a proactive role in preventing gender-based violence from occurring in their homes, making them advocates for change and equality.

The coordination meeting not only introduced the stakeholders to the concept and implementation of Phase II but also aimed to enlist the barangays' cooperation in facilitating and institutionalizing the adoption of proposed MOVE programs and projects. These initiatives include engaging men in First Aid Rescue/Training, Community Clean-Up Drives, and participation in School Brigada Eskwela and PTA activities.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders sharing their thoughts, commitments, and future plans for assisting MOCC in achieving its goal of a VAW-free Olongapo City. These messages underscored the collective determination to eradicate violence against women and create a safer and more equitable community.

MOVE is an organization of men who have dedicated themselves to actively participate in the elimination of VAW, and it is supported by the Philippine Commission on Women. The efforts of MOVE and MOCC in Olongapo City demonstrate a progressive and inclusive approach to combating gender-based violence by involving men in the conversation and empowering them to become agents of change, while fostering a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence within the community.