Diocese launches protection desk

By Myrna Bermudo

A diocesan protection desk was launched in the Diocese of Legazpi in the province of Albay.

The launching and blessing of the office was led by Social Action Center (SAC) Legazpi Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Eric B. Martillano. It was witnessed and participated by the Bicol University College of Law (BUCL) Team with the Parish Protection Desk point persons on June 28, 2022.

Prior to the launching, a capacity development session for the parish protection desk point person was facilitated by the Social Action Center- Diocese of Legazpi and the protection cluster of the Diocesan Commission on Social Concerns (DCSC) in partnership with the Bicol University College of Law (BUCL). It was held at the SAC conference room on the same date.

This initiative of SAC Diocese of Legazpi is in collaboration with the Bicol University College of Law (BUCL) Legal Aid Clinic Team composed of 3rd year College of Law students with professors Atty. Antonio C. Bron.and Atty. Norly Reyes.

Group photo of the participants during the launching and blessing of the Diocesan Protection Desk, an social concern initiative by the Social Action Center, Diocese of Legazpi in the province of Albay on June 28, 2022. Participants were the parish protection desk point persons of the diocesan commission on social concerns and the Bicol University College of Law Legal Aid Clinic Team. (Photo Credit: SAC Legazpi)

Laws protecting women in the Philippines are the following: Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995,Anti-Rape Act of 1997, Rape Victims Assistance Act (1998), An Act penalizing matching of Filipino mail order brides (1998), Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women (1989), Magna Carta of Women (2010).

The diocesan protection desk aims to address issues on human rights and violence committed against women and children protect the rights and dignity of the unborn, and other vulnerable sectors.

SAC- Legazpi revealed the pioneering apostolate in their social media account.