LUNA, Apayao – With the increasing cases of gender-based crimes in the province, the provincial government convened a meeting to discuss and update policies on mental health and violence against women and children (VAWC).
The meeting took place at the Capitol Conference Hall at the Provincial Government Center on March 13, with Apayao Lone District Representative Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang in attendance, as well as representatives from various agencies, including the Provincial Administrator, Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Prosecutor Office (PPO), the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk, Department of Education, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, law enforcement agencies, and Social Welfare and Development.
According to data shown at the meeting, over 279 cases of gender-based violence have been recorded in Apayao since 2007. The PPO said that 28 of these cases were filed in 2024 alone, highlighting the need for immediate action and better channels for victims to come forward.
The primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen an action-oriented network to provide preventive, protective, and responsive interventions for victim survivors who face legal, socio-economic, and mental health issues due to the adverse effect of abuse-related concerns.
Rep. Bulut-Begtang pointed out in particular the growing number of rape cases that have caused victims to suffer from severe psychological trauma.
“We need to take decisive action to address the increasing incidence of gender-based violence in our province. Our law enforcement organizations and members of the council must be given training they need to handle these delicate cases with the consideration and promptness they require. Where victims feel comfortable coming forward and asking for assistance we must simultaneously increase awareness and educate our communities ,” she stated.
The said meeting is in response to creating and organizing its composition, functions, roles and responsibilities, developing localized policies, guidelines and programs for the promotion of mental health and prevention of gender-based violence, as well as proper intervention and schemes and aftercare.
Mental Health considerations were emphasized as being crucial aftermath of violence. PHO reaffirmed its immediate action to offer psychological support services in partnership with the Y.A.K.A.P YAPAYAO (Yan Ang Kaibigan Aalalay Palagi) aims to provide a crisis helpline to be operated by mental health professionals and trained helpline service providers/volunteers. By Joyce Aria Soria
