PIA brings women’s rights awareness to Albay villagers

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Sixty residents of Barangay Bitano in this city attended an informative session on the law on women’s rights organized by the Philippine Information Agency on July 16, with Cristita Triunfante from the National Gender and Development Resource Program as the resource person.

In her lecture, Triunfante discussed Rule IV of the Magna Carta of Women Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), which specifically outlines the role of government personnel in protecting and defending women against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It also mandates the establishment of a Violence Against Women (VAW) desk in all barangays.

“The Punong Barangay must designate a VAW desk officer trained in gender-sensitive handling of cases, preferably a woman barangay kagawad or a woman barangay tanod. This individual should ensure the continuity of VAW programs and services,” she said.

“The same obligation extends to all provincial governors, as well as city and municipal mayors, who are responsible for establishing a VAW desk in every barangay within their jurisdiction and providing technical and financial assistance,” Triunfante added.

Myrnalyn Arnaldo, a resident of Bitano, stated that she learned about women’s rights during the session.

“Dati, hindi namin alam na may desk for protection para sa mga babae. Dahil sa activity na ito, na-encourage kami na panghawakan ang aming mga karapatan dahil sa Magna Carta of Women at magkaroon ng access sa edukasyon, health services at kahit sa pagiging leaders. Maraming salamat din sa PIA,” she said.

(Previously, we were unaware of a protection desk specifically for women. Because of this initiative, we have been encouraged to uphold our rights under the Magna Carta for Women and to pursue access to education, health services, and leadership opportunities. We are also grateful to the PIA.)

Joyce Bergancia, 55, expressed a similar appreciation.

“Dapat talaga may gender and development (GAD) council, may desk office para may mahaputan ang mga residente, babae man yan o lalaki kan mga programa o batas manungod sa Gender and Development, lalo na ang Violence Against Women and their Children,” Bergancia said in her dialect.

(There should be a GAD council, along with a designated office, so that all residents—both women and men—have a point of contact for inquiries about programs or laws related to Gender and Development, particularly those concerning Violence Against Women and their Children.)

Melchor Enconado said that the lecture was a significant eye-opener for him as a member of the Barangay Bitano Lupon, the local dispute resolution body. He emphasized the need to be more proactive in handling VAW cases and recognized the importance of resolving these cases promptly.

Triunfante also highlighted the importance of achieving a 50/50 gender balance in third-level positions within local government units (LGUs). She emphasized the necessity of involving women at all levels of development planning and program implementation.

“LGUs are required to submit a list of women appointed to third-level positions to the Career Executive Service Board at the end of each semester, whenever applicable. They must also determine the gender ratio of mandated members of local development councils. If the membership of women does not reach 40 percent, preference shall be given to women.”

Bitano Punong Barangay Bernard Pacardo expressed gratitude to the PIA for selecting their barangay as the beneficiary of the GAD information drive. (PIA Bicol)