BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Regional Committee on Anti-Trafficking-Violence Against Women and their Children (RCAT-VAWC) enjoins everyone to join forces in the battle against the deeply-rooted problem of violence against women (VAW).
In extending the invitation to advocate and join the fight against violence, the RCAT-VAWC echoes the belief that it is a collective effort that will pave the way for a safer, more secure environment for women and children.
Joyce Ayasao of RCAT-VAWC emphasized that everyone must unite, not just from November 25 to December 12 for the worldwide 18 Day Campaign to end VAW, but throughout the year to eliminate VAW and build a future founded on respect and equality.
“We are enjoining everyone, para lahat ng victim survivor will be brave enough to fight the violence. Hindi lang ‘pag November 25-December 12, kundi year round sana ‘yung advocacy ng lahat, lahat ng inter-agency, LGUs, offices to eliminate VAW, and for the victim-survivor to report bravely enough,” Ayasao said.
Joyce Ayasao talks about the importance of the 18-day campaign to end VAW during the Usapang PIA on Thursday (November 30, 2023).
Collaborating closely with the Philippine Commission on Women, the RCAT-VAWC channels the efforts of various inter-agency members, encouraging them to generate their advocacy materials to end VAW.
“The purpose of the campaign is to eliminate violence against women and girls or gender-based violence. The campaign is also to raise awareness of the community, encouraging the abuse to be resolved for them to join the campaign so that all of the abuses won’t happen,” Ayasao said.
The first point of contact for victim-survivors is often the Barangay VAW Desk due to its proximity to the community. Supported by police officers and social workers, including the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office MSWDO or the City Social Welfare and Development Office CSWDO, the desk serves as a crucial starting point for those seeking assistance.
Ayasao shared that non-governmental organizations also play a pivotal role by providing additional services for individuals filing cases.
Legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office is available, and psychological support is offered by partner private organizations and hospitals with Women and Children Protection Units.
In addition to advocacy and awareness campaigns, the focus extends to the local government units on their policies and ordinances designed to safeguard the welfare of women and children. The call is for more comprehensive programs and services, transcending mere implementation to address the broader issues surrounding VAW.
“Aside from advocacy and campaign, [mapalakas] ‘yung policies din sana from the LGUs and ordinances para ma-protect na din ‘yung welfare ng women and children,” Ayasao stated.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government reported an impressive 99 percent operational rate for Barangay VAW Desks as of this year’s first semester. While this is a positive sign, the emphasis is on continual improvement, Ayasao stressed.
With the appointment of new officials, the hope is that even those with limited honorariums will willingly undergo training to become VAW Desk officers. The ultimate goal is to have all VAW Desk offices fully functional, standing as pillars against VAWC, she added.
Ayasao was one of the guests during the Usapang PIA at Z-Radio. Said radio program is being aired every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon at 98.7 kHz, Cordillera TV, and livestreamed on Facebook . (JDP/DEG-Jackielyn Reyes, SLU Intern)
