ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The local government of Isabela City recently gathered several groups of women for the Women’s Talk which aims to increase awareness and understanding of the Bawal Bastos Ordinance and relevant laws against violence against women and children (VAWC).
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her gratitude to the participants as she emphasized the importance of being mindful of the actions or statements that could potentially harm or offend women, as no one is exempted from such behavior. She underscored that the city government’s ongoing advocacy reminds the public to remain conscious at all times.
The orientation included a comprehensive discussion on VAWC laws led by PNCO WCPD Chief PSSG Lizel Ibañez, Basic Gender and Development (GAD) concepts and social influencers by Jeanette Rojas from the GAD Unit, RA 11313 also known as Safe Spaces Act which was discussed by Atty. Alman-Najar Namla, Provincial Officer of Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, and the salient features of the Isabela City’s Bawal Bastos Ordinance explained by Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul.
The orientation saw the active participation of 88 attendees, including Barangay VAW desk officers, KALIPI presidents, chairpersons of Barangay Committees on Women and Children, as well as Barangay officials and Government Internship Program (GIP) members from the City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO).
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency during its regular radio program at DXNO Radyo Komunida, Jeanette Rojas from GAD Unit of Isabela City said that the city government aims to promote safe spaces for women and their children, and has implemented GAD-friendly initiatives, with its own GAD Code authored by the late Councilor Nida Dans.
The participants are grateful to the city government for organizing the event that provided them an avenue to understand further about the laws on VAWC as these are very relevant for them to be able to contribute to raise awareness on the problem of violence and abuses and eliminate all forms of violence against girls, women and their children.
The VAW desk officers of all 45 barangays in the city were also provided with the Barangay VAW Desk Handbook that will help them better understand their roles and responsibilities. (RVC/NDR-PIA Basilan with reports and photos from LGU Isabela City)
