DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA)– Government programs and services for women and children in Camarines Norte were tackled during the kapihan dubbed “Talakayan sa PIA” held at SM City Daet, Wednesday, March 29.

The activity is in line with National Women’s Month Celebration this March  with the theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society with the official hashtag “WEcanbeEquALL."

The activity was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency- Camarines Norte-Information Center in partnership with SM City Daet.

Provincial Social Welfare Officer Cynthia de la Cruz said that there are now many laws that protect the rights of women and children, among them are  RA 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC),  anti-rape, and anti-sexual harassment, among others. These laws push for the integration of women’s rights and equal opportunities in all aspects of society.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office also offered information about their programs for men and women who are designated as solo parents. They were also given training and instruction in fundamental life skills.

A temporary shelter, a special care facility or “Halfway Home” is also provided by the provincial government which would serve as temporary shelter of victims of domestic violence, illegal recruitment, and prostitution. The shelter provides psychosocial, livelihood, and financial assistance.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Provincial Action Officer Josie Joy Arellano said that their office offers technical assistance to local government units (LGUs). They also conducts advocacy of RA 9262, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) livelihood programs, as well as shelter facilities for abuse children. 

Arellano explained that they also included 35% of women in the workforce in the implementation of projects of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) and provide sustainable livelihood programs.

Camarines Norte Police Provincial Officer PLt.Col. Rogelyn C. Peratero, Chief PCAD/WCPD/PIO said that their office is focusing on the information drive on anti-VAWC in far-flung or geographically isolated areas.

She said that anti-VAWC cases last year increased by 10% or 286 compared to 276 in 2021 and most of them are rape. The increase is due to the pandemic and it is not only in Camarines Norte but also in some provinces.

For the first quarter of this year, it decreased to 9 cases as compared to 22 in the same period last year.

Peratero said that all cases have been filed in court but 80% of the violence against children are reported late.  The abuse against women can be classified as emotional, psychological, physical, financial, and sexual harassment. Most of these cases  were filed in court if the victims already suffered physical abuse.

She said that there is a law which states that  the criminal justice system should have speedy resolution of cases concerning  abused women and children. These cases should be treated confidentially. However, she said that the conviction rate is low because some women dropped the case due to their economic dependency on the suspect.

Provincial Disability Affairs Office representative Jessa Mae B. Braga said that they gave recognition to three women with disability in partnership with the Camarines Norte State College last March 27 in line with the Women's Month celebration.

The PDAO also have community-based enterprises or livelihood program in partnership with Project Inclusion. They also provide educational assistance through the provincial government.

The activity was attended by media partners from PIO-PGCN, DWCN-Radyo Pilipinas, Crown, DWSR-FM, Brigada News FM-Daet, GMA News, UNTV, DZAU-AM, DWEN-FM, (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)