LALA, Lanao del Norte – Through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the Provincial Government spearheaded a two-day Advocacy Forum on Women and Children Laws last July 28-29, 2022, held at Lala Municipal Gymnasium.
Joined by various Lala barangay officials and workers like barangay violence against women and their children (VAWC) desk officers, barangay captains, SKs, daycare workers, and the Women’s Association Presidents, the said forum aims to equip participants with basic knowledge on the rights of the abused women and children.
The topics discussed during the forum include Republic Act 9262, also known as Anti-violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Law, and Anti-trafficking Law, discussed by Atty. Mark Christopher Babor, Provincial Legal Officer; Republic Act 9344, or Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, discussed by Police Chief Master Sergeant Margie B. Castañeda; and the Role of Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, tackled by Irene Gay Mabugnon, PSWDO staff.
Other government agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the local Government of Lala, headed by Mayor Angel Yap, also shared various assistance that women can avail.
“Ang atong mga barangay workers apil ani na advocacy para ilaha ma spread out ang balita kabahin sa mga existing governemnt assistance na pwede gyud maavail ug kung asa sila dapat mudol,” said Evelyn Lopez, PGLDN Public Employment Service Office manager.
“Atong I empower ang atong kaugalingon nga muspeak up, atong ipang istorya unsay gipang-abuso dinha sa atong balay ug komunidad para matabgangan ug matagaan ug solusyon,” PCMS Castañeda said.
Mayor Yap also notably said that the cases of VAWC in the town have declined for the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year and made sure that the doors of the LGU are always open to provide assistance to the victims like food, shelter, and counseling through the LGUs crisis center. PIO-LDN