Run against domestic violence set

USC-HRM students organize event on Sept. 21 with Lihok Pilipina Foundation as beneficiary

A FUN run has been organized by the hotel and restaurant management (HRM) students of the University of San Carlos (USC) on Sept. 21.

The event aims to raise funds for the anti-domestic violence programs of Lihok Pilipina Foundation Inc.

Speaking before the 888 News Forum, USC HRM student Miren Jarque said his group decided to organize the run to give justice to victims of domestic violence.

Businessmen Bobby Lim Joseph of the National Independent Travel and Tours and Dondi Joseph of the Cebu Business Club donated P10,000 each for the students’ cause to restore peace in the family.

Bobby said he was amazed to learn that the students contributed P3,000 each and pooled their limited resources together to cover the cost of the fun run.

Dondi said he will convince the club to also raise up to P200,000 for the noble intention of the students.

Advocacies

Lihok Pilipina Foundation chair Teresa Fernandez said their group was established in 1987 with several advocacies, starting with children in conflict with the law.

“It was at that time that (issues on) family trouble was highest on record. Women were battered by their husbands and partners. So many women came to us and sought for our help. We found out, at that time, that six out of 10 women are badly battered by their husbands or partners,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the foundation also lobbied for the passage of a Cebu City ordinance against domestic violence, which was approved two years ahead of the national law.

“With our effort, (former) president (Fidel) Ramos created the PNP Women’s Desk in 1993,” Fernandez said.