CARAGA, Tandag City — The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XIII, together with the Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Sur, with the full support of the Provincial Governor, Hon. Johnny T. Pimentel, will launch the Orange Your Icon program on November 27, 2025 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Tandag City.

The event forms part of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, which promotes nationwide awareness and collective action against gender-based violence. This year’s campaign highlights a whole-of-nation approach, emphasizing that real change requires united efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions.

Orange Your Icon encourages lighting landmarks in ORANGE, symbolizing hope, safety, and a violence-free future. The initiative aims to spark dialogue, inspire community participation, and visually affirm that violence against women has no place in society.

This year’s advocacy also mobilizes youth as changemakers, men as allies, bystanders as empowered responders, and local leaders as policy drivers to strengthen mechanisms addressing gender-based violence.

The launch will gather government agencies, women’s groups, youth organizations, civil society, and community advocates for awareness talks, symbolic lighting, and activities promoting collective commitment to ending VAW. The program seeks to amplify awareness, empower survivors, and reinforce accessible support systems.

The DOT Region XIII, Provincial Tourism Office and Provincial Government invite the public and partner organizations to join the launch and help strengthen communities where women and girls live free from fear and discrimination.

As CARAGA lights up for Orange Your Icon, the region reaffirms its dedication to respect, safety, and empowerment, moving the nation closer to ending gender-based violence.

FOR INQUIRIES:

Facebook Page: Provincial Tourism Office Surigao del Sur
Email address: tourism@surigaodelsur.gov.ph
Contact number: +63 86 214 3947