morning session. She ended her talk by encouraging everyone to help one another amidst the challenges that would be encountered. Mr. Danilo Balino then further emphasize on the role of the CSOs in the advocacy of the CHR and the cooperation and support of the other agencies and Colleges and Universities both public and private. Next he started with the FGD with the CSOs…. On Question # 1 Gender equality Situationer in the city/ municipality Are you aware of any local gender equality or GBV policies in your city/municipality? Do you know if you have a GAD Code or an Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Cat-calling ordinances or of their barangay counterpart? Representatives from Pangasinan State University, Metro-Dagupan Colleges, NLMCCI, LEAF and Center for Christ agreed that there are policies but people are not aware. They say that because of politics, people are afraid to refer the case to authorities because they seem not to be concern. NLMCCI: There is a national GAD code but there is no localized GAD code and they lack awareness MDC: They just hear anti-discrimination on television and the government does not invite CFCC: If there is, it is not implemented. The government has their own CSOs so other CSOs are not being involved and aware. There are certain things that are happening in the grass roots. Have you or your organization participated in the development/passage of these policies? Have you ever accessed GAD funds of the barangay/LGU? Everybody is aware of the 5% GAD Fund. NLMCCI: There is 5% GAD but barangays are not fully aware of its implementation Are the VAW Desks in your barangay functional? NLMCCI: The social worker is the one responsible in giving assistance to the victims in Region 1 CFCC: Cases are not brought to the barangays, it is directed at once to higher authority (PNP) 13 | Page