BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The local government highlighted gender-based initiatives implemented in Baguio as the nation celebrates Women’s History Month.
Councilor Elmer Datuin, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Social Services, Women and Urban Poor, said key achievements of the city include the establishment of Violence Against Women and their Children desks in the barangays and the implementation of the Gender and Equality Development Code.
Datuin said Baguio prioritized the establishment of VAWC desks in all 128 barangays as frontline mechanisms for addressing gender-based violence.
“The desks serve as a frontline mechanism for addressing gender-based violence at the grassroots level, ensuring accessible support and intervention,” Datuin said. He added that all designated desk personnel have undergone or are undergoing capacity building to improve their knowledge and skills specifically on handling VAWC and other gender-based violence cases.
The Baguio City Police Office is also implementing the “Manang Police” program, which serves as its Women and Children Protection Desk. The desk is dedicated to handling cases of crimes against chastity, sexual harassment and various forms of abuse against women and children, and operates 24/7.
Datuin also reported that the city is implementing the amended Gender and Equality Development Code, which is a more inclusive, human rights-based approach to policy and program development equitably benefiting women and men.
Completed LED streetlight projects and artificial intelligence-powered cameras in the city are also among the gender-based initiatives of the local government.
“The Baguio City Command Center uses AI-powered cameras and environmental sensors to improve emergency response and crime prevention, creating safer streets for women and vulnerable groups,” he said.
The Gender and Development section of the city public library was also established, serving as a hub for public information, advocacy and awareness on gender-related issues.
Through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, women in especially difficult circumstances received various forms of support such as financial assistance and counseling, ensuring that VAWC survivors receive the necessary interventions to rebuild their lives. (JDP/DEG/Chelsea Mas-PIA CAR -SLU intern)
