TACLOBAN CITY- The city government of Tacloban through Mayor Cristina Romualdez joins the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with the theme: “VAW –Free community starts with me” which had its kick-off on Friday, November 25, 2016.
The campaign will run until December 12, 2016.
This year’s theme shifts the campaign to positive advocacy messaging with a strong emphasis on everyone’s commitment and contribution.
Activities of the campaign started with a motorcade around the city and were followed by the kick-off program at the Tacloban City Convention Center.
The program was attended by Mayor Romualdez and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Restituto Macuto, together with other VAW advocates and stakeholders.
The campaign observed annually to raise awareness among all stakeholders the threat that VAW poses to women, supports the national government’s commitment to address all forms of VAW and protect Women’s Right.
Proclamation 1172 series of 2006 and Republic Act 10398 (2013) institutionalized the annual observance.
Among the pervasive forms of violations of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children are physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuses; of which 27, 403 have been reported to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Mayor Romualdez has always been an active supporter of women’s right and empowerment. In fact, she inspired the putting up of a Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Tacloban in June 2010.
According to Shelter Head Carmela Bastes, the facility which offers psychosocial support and temporary shelter for abused women and children, has 28 admitted clients.
About 163 walk-in clients have also availed of their counseling services from January to October 2016, said Bastes.
After a social case study of each client has been made, in-house social workers will file court cases and seek protection orders for the victim.
The facility is the only one of its kind in the region maintained by a local government unit and is accredited by DSWD National Office. It conducts center-based advocacy and education of RA 9262.
Among the women empowerment initiative of the local government is the Cristina’s Learn and Earn Program which offers 8 short-term livelihood courses.
Started in 2006 by then Councilor Cristina G. Romualdez, it has graduated more than 8,000 beneficiaries mostly women.
Victims of VAW are advised to seek help from a sympathetic family member or friend and report to the barangay, social worker, or the police. (HENRY JAMES G.ROCA/CIO)
