PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The launch of this year’s 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is a call for equality and dignity for women, says provincial government of Palawan.
Governor Dennis Socrates said Tuesday that the consciousness of the public about having equal rights for women has been increasing as time has progressed. The campaign started from November 25 until December 12, but it was only launched on November 28 as the first working day after last week.
“Mabuti na lang sa ating panahon ay kinikilala ito at nais natin mawala ang mga gawain na bunsod ng maling kaisipan na ang kababaihan ay hindi kapantay ng kalalakihan in terms of karapatan, need for protection,” he said.
The series of activities for this year is in line with the campaign both against trafficking in persons and violence against women (VAW), under the theme “United for a VAW-free Philippines.”
Prior to the launch, there was already information dissemination initiated by the council, dubbed Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children and Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (PIACAT-VAWC-OSAEC-CSAEM).
Atty. Mary Joy Ordaneza-Cascara, assistant legal officer of the Provincial Legal Office, said the main goal of the campaign is to uphold the rights of women and children.
“Not just a call for justice or call for action but also call for equality and dignity for women—Matagal na siyang problema ng ating komunidad but then because of our existing laws and regulations, kahit papaano ay tumaas ang antas ng dignidad ng ating mga kababaihan,” Cascara said.
Citing cases reported to Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs), Bataraza recorded the highest number of cases at 38 from the first semester of 2023. Among types of violence and abuse, physical is the top among cases recorded at 135.
The filed cases under RA 9262 from January to September at Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPO) are 41, while 7 are handled by the National Bureau of Investigation Puerto Princesa District Office. The rape case was the most committed crime of violence against women and children from January to September 2023, according to the data of the Palawan PPO issued on October 4.
Atty. Lara Cacal, Deputy Director of the Provincial Peace and Order Program, believed that the campaign was one step forward towards also having women acknowledge their rights.
“Noon ay hindi naman tayo allowed mag-vote, kahit papaano ay nauunti-unti natin ang ating karapatan na malaman din ang mga tao na meron right ang babae at lalaki. If we can treat women and men equal, mas maganda,” she said.
Trend of cases
The UN Women cited that one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, data and reports showed that all types of violence, particularly domestic violence, had intensified.
PLTCOL Baby Jane Comoso, Chief of Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit, observed that cases handled in Palawan PPO remained maintained even after the height of the pandemic.
“Sa part ng PNP ay hindi naman siya tumaas, maintain. Mahirap magbigay ng assessment para sa iba,” she said.
Cascara further explained that limited access and movement due to the pandemic resulted in a tendency to increase the number of VAWC cases. It is possible that not all cases are reported to the PNP after barangay or social worker levels.
The council aims to have consolidated data from all sources, she added.
Cacal stressed that information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns push to raise awareness, particularly among women. Strengthening livelihood support for women and victims of VAWC would also help them avoid economic dependency on their husbands, who are usually the perpetrators of violence. (RG/PIA Mimaropa – Palawan)
