Barangay officials, VAWC desk officers attend training on case management

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SAN MIGUEL, Guimaras – Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Desk Officers and barangay officials from 26 barangays in San Lorenzo and Sibunag participated in a capacity-building activity on VAWC case management on July 11, 2024, at the GUIMELCO Conference Room.

The event, organized by the Provincial Government of Guimaras through the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), aimed to equip VAWC desk officers and Punong Barangays with the necessary knowledge to properly handle VAWC cases at the barangay level.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Shirly T. Gabutin highlighted the alarming rate of violence involving women and children, which necessitates immediate community intervention.

“Kada tu-ig nagahatag sang pondo sa Provincial Council for the Protection of Children to include sang training sang VAWC Desk kag barangay officials para sa inyo nga level sa barangay indi kamo mabudlayan, mabal-an ninyo paano i-handle ang mga kaso sa barangay,” she stated.

Gabutin also mentioned plans to amend the Guimaras Children’s Code to ensure that appointed VAWC desk officers are not barangay officials, allowing them to focus on their responsibilities without distractions.

Board member Cecile C. Gumarin, chairperson of the Committee on Social Service and the Committee on Women and Family of the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, shared the provincial government’s efforts to enhance the protection programs for VAWC victims.

“Ang province, also ma-approve naman kami sang Guimaras Women and Children Center Operation Manual. Kun may ara nga mga violations sa mga kabataan kag sa mga babayi puwede anay dira sila temporarily hatagan sang shelter for a maximum of seven days. Funded man na siya sang Provincial Government,” said Gumarin, who also co-chairs the PCPC.

Executive Assistant III Gerardo Gaitan, representing Governor JC Rahman A. Nava, underscored the importance of protecting children’s rights, a key aspect of Governor Nava’s Kabataan FIRST agenda.

He acknowledged the challenge barangay officials face in reducing or eliminating VAWC cases.

Participants of the training also expressed their support for the Blue Heart Campaign by signing a pledge of commitment.

The United Nations’ Blue Heart Campaign raises global awareness about human trafficking and its impact on society, encouraging action from governments, civil society, the corporate sector, and individuals to help prevent human trafficking.