City officials recently supported the creation of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) organization on city and barangay levels.
In a resolution, local legislators stated that the creation of MOVE in both the city and barangay levels would further strengthen the commitment of men to combat violence against women.
The council claimed that similar organizations are instrumental in the broader effort to eliminate violence against women, protect women’s rights, and create a safer and more equitable society for all.
Article 2, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 declares that the State recognizes the need to protect the family and its members, particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security. The law penalizes those found guilty of committing acts of violence, including imprisonment and fines and provides legal protection and support for the victims. It also mandated the creation of an inter-agency council on violence against women as the overall coordinating and monitoring body and ensuring the effective implementation of the law.
The body stipulated that the Magna Carta of Women under RA 9710 seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women in all spheres of society.
Further, RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act as amended by RA 9231, provides protection for children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination, including provisions related to child abuse and child trafficking. It establishes a legal framework to address child protection issues and ensure that child victims receive appropriate support and services.
The then National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, now the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), helped organize the MOVE in 2006. It is an organization of men from different organizations from the government, private sector, academe, and non-government organizations who committed themselves to be actively involved in the elimination of violence against women and children.
The Regional Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RCAT-VAWC) is a policy-making body which ensures that the implementation of gender-related laws are enforced in the Cordillera.
As of 2021, MOVE has 73 chapters nationwide, including national government agencies and local government units.
The council underscored that the city government recognizes it plays a vital role in realizing the universal goal of achieving fundamental equality of men and women
On the other hand, the barangay provides frontline services to the local community like social services. The cooperation and coordination between barangays and local governments make sure that the said services are efficiently delivered to the people, meeting their needs and improving their quality of life. by
