Mindanao (Philippines). March 20-21, 2025 – on the occasion of World Social Welfare Month and the Week of the Child promoted by the Philippine Council for Children’s Welfare (March 23-29) with the theme, “There is no room for violence in society: Fight against the abuse and exploitation of girls, online and offline” – the Foundation Laura Vicuña of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, of the Province St. Mary Mazzarello (FIL), launched the #iamBRAVE Movement in Mindanao, south Philippines.
With the mission of protecting children and young people – carried out with determination by Sister Maria Victoria Santa Ana, Sister Sheila Ducot, two social workers and volunteers – the Foundation has made the courageous decision to launch this Movement in a region with a long history of armed conflict, to bring hope to young people and communities that are too often forgotten.
The Movement #iamBRAVE – Friends Reject Abuse, Violence, and Exploitation – is not political and is not limited to any group or sector. It is a humanitarian mission, an appeal at the national level to protect everyone, regardless of age, gender or origin.
The decision to bring #iamBRAVE to Mindanao was inspired by the success of the first launch in Victorias City, in Negros Occidental, where on 15 November 2024, some 2,000 young people gathered to affirm that the safety of children is not a privilege but a human right.
The overwhelming response of young people in Negros has strengthened the commitment to bring this initiative to Mindanao by the President of the Philippine Social Workers’ Association (PASWI), Sister Maria Victoria Santa Ana, and Vice President, John Karl Ballentes, where many children and young people are exposed to abuse, violence, and exploitation.
On 20 and 21 March 2025, more than 1,400 senior high school and freshman students from Carmen National High School and Southern Christian College gathered not only to listen, but also to write their manifesto: a collective commitment to protect themselves, their peers and communities from the dangers.
In the national celebrations of Week of the Child, Women’s Month, and Social Work Month, the initiative of the #iamBRAVE Movement takes on an even deeper meaning. It is a tribute to every lawyer who fights for justice, to every social worker in selfless service, to every survivor who regains their voice, to every child who deserves a future free from suffering.
Yeyy! Congratulations Sister! Paswi and Social Worker’s!
BRAVE, Buddies Reject Abuse Violence, and Exploitation. We choose to stand against harm and injustice, protecting one another with courage and compassion. Together, we build a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. Stand up, speak out, and be BRAVE!