The protection of women in communities is essential for fostering a safe, equitable, and thriving society. To ensure this, local government units (LGUs) actively implement measures to provide women with the protection they need and safeguard them from abuse.
On Wednesday, the DILG sa DZRH Breaktime program highlighted the initiatives of LGUs aimed at creating safe spaces for women. Among the featured LGUs was Baybay City, Leyte, recognized as a certified Gender and Development (GAD) LGU and a local learning hub.
Baybay City utilizes the Barangay Management Information System (BMIS), an annually updated localized data tool used for planning by both the city government and its 92 barangays. According to Marissa Cano, Baybay City Information Officer and Agriculturist, the BMIS is vital in crafting the Barangay Integrated Development Plan and guiding city-wide initiatives.
Through the BMIS, the LGU can identify women who need income-generating opportunities, demographic profiles of abuse victims, and social workers managing cases of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and child abuse. This data-driven approach facilitates targeted interventions, including the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) program.
"Madali naming nakukuha yung vital information gamit yung BMIS namin and yung mga macapture namin na data is amdali na naming makiita yung mga nature of the case and yung possible interventions — 'yun yung nagiging tulong ng BMIS when it comes to handling the case of violence against women and their childre," said Dr. Manuel Donaire ng Baybay City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Additionally, women without financial income are enrolled in skills training programs and participate in symposiums on social protection laws and other empowerment activities.
"Accross all sectors may mga programs and services tayo so hindi na namin maquantify but we are sure enough na lahat ng mga sectors particulary yung mga women natin natutuunan natin yung mga pangangailangan," Donaire added.
The LGU emphasized that the BMIS simplifies the identification of beneficiaries for programs from agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"Kinakailangan talaga mayroon tayong data para maging basis para planuhin ang mga programang ipapatupad para sa ating mga kababayan. Sa pamamagitan din nito mas matutuganan natin ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan," said Cano.
Barangay Protection Order: Ensuring Safety Under RA 9262
Meanwhile, Jojimar Bagunu of the DILG National Barangay Operations Office and Local Government Operations Officer IV discussed the importance of the Barangay Protection Order (BPO). This legal instrument, established under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262), offers protection to women and children who are victims of abuse, particularly from individuals with whom they share an intimate relationship.
The BPO is issued by barangay officials to prevent further harm or threats against victim-survivors.
"Sino mang nabigyan ng BPO at hindi tumigil sa patuloy na pannaakit at pagbabanta ay maituturing na lumabag sa BPO at maaring sampahan ng kaso sa hukuman," Bagunu explained.
Steps to Obtain a BPO
- Location of the Victim: The victim may request a BPO from the barangay where they reside.
- Location of the Respondent: If both parties live in the same city but in different barangays, the BPO can be issued from the respondent's barangay.
- Incident Location: If the violence occurred at an office or school, the BPO may be obtained from the barangay covering that area.
"Kung ang dalawang panig naman ay akatira sa magkaibang lungsod, ang mgandang remedee dito ay 'yung tinatawag nating temporary protection order at hindi BPO," he added.
