“Gabriela Women’s Party today joined forces with the Manila City local government for the One Billion Rising global campaign, bringing together women from various sectors in a powerful dance protest against violence against women and children.

“Today, we rise together with women not only in the Philippines but around the world to demand justice. One Billion Rising is our collective resistance against the systemic violence that continues to plague women and children in our society,” Gabriela Partylist’s first nominee Sarah Elago said.

The event, held at Luneta Park, highlighted the alarming statistics on violence against women in the Philippines, with the Center for Women’s Resources reporting that 34 women experience abuse daily, yet only one in ten cases is reported to authorities.

“Hindi lamang numero ang mga estadistikang ito. Ang bawat kaso ay isang buhay na naapektuhan, isang pangarap na nadurog, isang pamilyang nagdurusa. We cannot turn a blind eye to this worsening situation,” Elago emphasized.
Elago pointed out that economic hardships exacerbate violence against women, with many forced to stay in abusive relationships due to financial dependence.

“Ang tumitinding kahirapan ay nagiging ugat ng iba’t ibang porma ng karahasan—mula sa domestic abuse, pang-aabuso sa trabaho, hanggang sa online sexual abuse at exploitation. The current economic crisis is a women’s issue that requires urgent action,” she added.

During the event, Elago outlined Gabriela Partylist’s key campaigns, including the push for the Expanded Anti-VAWC Bill to address electronic and digital violence, and the call to remove the 12% VAT on essential goods to alleviate economic burdens on women and families.

“Hindi hiwalay ang issue ng kababaihan sa issue ng lipunan. The struggles of women are deeply intertwined with the broader societal problems we face today. Ang laban ng kababaihan ay laban ng buong sambayanan,” Elago emphasized as women performed the powerful One Billion Rising dance anthem.

The One Billion Rising campaign, now in its eleventh year globally, uses dance as a form of protest and empowerment to call for an end to violence against women and girls worldwide.”