LALA, Lanao del Norte (PIA)–The provincial government of Lanao del Norte spearheaded a two-day Advocacy Forum on Women and Children laws to equip barangay officials and workers here on the rights of abused women and children.
Topics discussed during the forum include Republic Act 9262 also known as Anti-violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Law, Anti-trafficking Law, Republic Act 9344 or Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, and the Role of Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.
National and local government offices shared various assistance that women can avail themselves of.
“Ang atong mga barangay workers apil ani na advocacy para ilaha ma spread out ang balita kabahin sa mga existing governemnt assistance na pwede gyud maavail ug kung asa sila dapat mudol,” said Evelyn Lopez, Public Employment Service Office manager.
[Barangay workers joined this advocacy forum for them to spread the news about the existing government assistance that can be availed and to know where to go.]
Meanwhile, the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office reported a decline in VAWC cases in the province.
“Atong I empower ang atong kaugalingon nga muspeak up, atong ipang istorya unsay gipang-abuso dinha sa atong balay ug komunidad para matabgangan ug matagaan ug solusyon,” said Women and Children Protection Desk Chief PCMS Margie Castañeda.
[We should empower ourselves to speak up. We should share the abuses that occurred in our home or community so that we can help and provide a solution] (LELA/PIA-10-Lanao del Norte)
