March 28, 2024

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera reported that cases of Violence against Women (VAW) are on the down trend, but the agency has called for sustained partnership in the empowerment and protection of women and girls especially against the possible ill effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Records of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera showed that violence against women has been in the down trend in the past years, DSWD-Cordillera Director Leo Quintilla shared during the third Dagyaw 2020 Virtual Townhall meeting on Dec. 1.

Data showed that in 2019, there were 475 VAW cases recorded as compared with the 172 cases logged from January to August of this year indicating a significant decrease. 

Of the 172 cases, 18 are from Abra, four from Apayao, 55 from Baguio City, 31 from Benguet, 28 from Ifugao, 24 from Kalinga, and 12 from Mountain Province.

Quintilla said the decrease in cases may be attributed to the increasing anti VAWC-related laws and programs and services of DSWD and other government agencies and private sector partners for the protection and empowerment of women and girls.

Quintilla affirmed DSWD’s commitment in providing assistance for gender-based violence victims. Among the programs offered are Assistance to Individuals in Crisis, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Recovery and Reintegration program for Trafficked Persons, as well as provision of residential facilities like the Regional Haven for Women and Girls.

For empowerment and capacity building under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, DSWD continuously conducts family development sessions, he added.

Quintilla also called for continuing partnership with the private sector, local government units, and communities for the protection and welfare of women and girls in these trying times, as the Covid-19 is bringing in another context of violence against women in children because of the change in the landscape of the environment and on the people’s way of life. – Carlito C. Dar