BAGUIO CITY – The local government recognized that gender equality is an ongoing process in the city where there is a need to empower all women and girls.
Councilor Elmer Datuin, Chairperson of the City Council Committee on Social Services, Women and Urban Poor, said that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
He added that it aims to secure equal participation and opportunities for leadership and most of all, it seeks to end all discrimination and violation against women and children.
The alderman shared in the 12th Association of Southeast Asian nations – Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development the initiatives of the city on gender and equality through the said platform and it has been praised by the international audience who attended the said forum in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to him, one of the key achievements of the city is its own Gender Equality and Development (GAD) code that was implemented since 2005 and amended under Ordinance No. 105, series of 2020 where the updated code emphasizes a more inclusive, human rights-based approach to policy and program development.
Further, he stated that local legislators are targeting filing the GAD agenda of the city this month.
He pointed out that the local government has also a GAD section in the public library which serves as a hub for information advocacy and awareness on gender-related issues.
The city councilor added that the local government has prioritized the establishment of violence against women and children (VAWC) desks in all its 128 barangays with each of the designated personnel undergoing trainings, specifically on handling such kind of cases.
The said desks serve as frontline mechanisms for addressing gender-based violence at the grassroots level that ensure accessible support and intervention.
At the same time, he noted that women in specifically difficult circumstances (WSDC) get various forms of support, including counselling, financial assistance and other social services, ensuring that survivors of VAWCs receive the necessary intervention to rebuild their lives.
Moreover, the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) was created not only as city-based but now has chapters in some barangays.
He stipulated that the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has also implemented the ‘Manang Pulis’ program that serves as its own women and children protection desk that is dedicated to handling cases of crimes against chastity, sexual harassment in various forms of abuse against women and children and operates 24/7.
He acknowledged the challenges that remain, but the local government is also inspired by the progress that the city has made, thus, the concerned offices are committed to build on the said progress in creating a future where all women in the city have equal opportunities to thrive. By Dexter A. See
