BY DLJ
WASHINGTON DC – In a poignant collaboration between the Embassy’s Office of Police Attache, EnJewel, and My Children’s House of Hope, an art exhibit titled “Breaking the Silence”.
The exhibit, held in honor of the “World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence,” showcased powerful artworks created by survivors of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking in the Philippines.
Additionally, the event marked the commencement of the 18-day national campaign to End Violence Against Women in the Philippines.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon Jr. passionately underscored the Philippines’ commitment to preventing and eliminating sexual violence, emphasizing the protection of child victims and the prosecution of perpetrators. The exhibit, a platform for survivors to share their stories, aimed to raise public awareness about violence against women and children.
Founder and President of EnJewel, Ms. Naomi Estaris, and Founder and Chairman of My Children’s House of Hope, Pastor Joseph P. McGourn, highlighted the therapeutic role of the artworks in the healing journey of child survivors. The pieces became a powerful means for these survivors to express their experiences.
Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas, in his closing remarks, urged attendees to reflect on the profound impact of the artworks and commit themselves to creating a world where every child is safe. “Let’s be advocates for change and carry the lessons from this exhibit into our lives,” he declared, expressing gratitude to all who joined the Philippine Embassy on this transformative journey toward a safer and more compassionate world for all children.
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Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas, Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon Ascalon Jr., Chairman of My Children’s House of Hope Pastor Joseph McGourn, and President of EnJewel Ms. Naomi Estaris during the opening of the exhibit at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
