CHR Region V
BICOL REGION
COMMISSION
ON HUMAN
RIGHTS
Manito, Albay
Functionality of the Violence Against Women
(VAW) Desks in the Barangays of Manito, Albay
Women are significant to society since they nurture the families, educate the
youth for constructive citizenship in the society and provide leadership in certain
professional and political fields. Thus, the Philippine government has enshrined
various legal instruments for the protection of women against violence which
includes the establishment of Violence Against Women (VAW) Desks. This study,
aimed to assess the level of functionality of the VAW desks; determine the enhancing
and constraining factors to the functionality; and, design a policy for enhancing the
functionality of VAW desks
KEY FINDINGS
Functionality of VAW Desk in
terms of Establishment
Most, but not all, had barangay council
resolution/Executive Order issued
on the creation of the VAW desk and
designation/appointment of the
VAW desk officers. A few,
however, did not issue a
barangay ordinance for the
purpose.
METHODOLOGY
This research employed a
mixed methods approach
through the conduct of
surveys and key informant
interview, documentary
analysis and field notes.
The 110 barangay officials
and 15 VAW desk officers
participated from selected
barangays with operational
VAW desks. All participants
were purposively chosen based
on their ability to adequately
provide information.
Functionality of VAW Desk in
terms of Policies, Plans, and Budget
Field researchers were
assigned to barangays to
make observations to further
validate the findings from the
barangay councils and the
VAW desk officers.
_
P
Most of the barangays were observed
to have Gender and Development (GAD)
budget as contained in the Annual
Investment Budget (AIB). But there
were variations in the percentages of
GAD budgets across barangays. Missing
files in some barangays affected he
crafting of a GAD activity and budget
plan and caused ineffectiveness in the
implementation of related programs.
Functionality of VAW Desk in
terms of Resources
Availability of logbooks and forms
reflected moderate functionality but
the research found that this
functionality becomes ineffective
due to lack of forms in almost
all VAW desks.
Functionality of VAW Desk in
terms of Accomplishment
Barangays fared well in terms of reports
submitted to the City/Municipal Social Welfare
and Development Offices (C/ MSWDO) and
City/Municipal Local Government Operations
Office (C/MLGOO). Document analysis revealed
no quarterly accomplishment report was
submitted by previous administrations of the
barangays. Furthermore, no official turnover of
records was made by some barangays and so
their reports could not be traced.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
01
There should be a separate room for the VAW Desk
05
Travel allowance, fund for other expenses, and monthly
honorarium should be given
02
There should be increased knowledge of VAW desk
officer through training
06
Construction of office to accommodate the victims
03
Shortage of equipment like desk and cabinets should
be addressed
07
More books and handouts to improve knowledge
regarding VAW
04
Government should provide funds for VAW desk,
salary, and support
08
There should be support not just by the barangay
officials but also by the community.
ATTY. ARLENE Q. ALANGCO
ATTY. DONNA F. MADRONA
Regional Director, Region V
Address: Regional Government Center, Rawis, Legaspi City
Email: chr5_legazpi@yahoo.com
Cellphone: 0917 500 2238 (Globe)/ 0995 728 2456 (Globe)
0929 144 9263 (Smart)
Officer-in-Charge, Naga Provincial Office, Region V
Address: PICPA Building, City Hall Complex, Magsaysay Avenue,
Naga City, Camarines Sur 4400
Email: chr5_naga@yahoo.com
Telephone: (054) 472-4862
Cellphone: 0996 984 7023 (Globe)/ 0998 438 5008 (Smart)
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