V. Welcome Message | 10:13 AM – 10:14 AM Ms. Wenna Mae Gaquit, Planning Officer of the Municipality of Sta. Maria thanked and welcome everyone in the plenary. She also expressed that she is happy to see the Commission on Human Rights working with the Municipal Local Government of Sta. Maria especially in the promotion of human rights and the welfare of women and children. In closing, she articulated that this activity will help the municipality be more conscious and aware of their duties related to human rights promotion and protection. VI. Focus Group Discussion Proper | 10:15 AM – 11:50 AM At 10:15 in the morning, Atty. Ciena May Juyo led the focus group discussion. Prior to this, she explained why the activity has to be carried out by the Commission on Human Rights. She emphasized the following points in her discussion: • • • • The Magna Carta for Women tasked CHR as a gender ombud. Given so, CHR is mandated to spearhead programs that are articulated in the law. According to a research study, gender-based violence remains to be pervasive. About 1 out of 4 women population experienced abuses and they normally sought help from their peers. Thus, the mapping of legal referral mechanisms on GBV is important in order to check gaps in implementation and management of GBV cases. Atty. Juyo also added that the results of the mapping activity will be used in designing programs or education campaigns to intensify support on the implementation of laws related to gender-based violence. Furthermore, it will help CHR to identify best practices on ground and craft necessary recommendations to improve the policy. Specifically, it will help CHR map the GBV referral mechanism, check its effectivity, identify challenges in implementation, and craft policy recommendations by looking into local experiences and responses. Before the actual focus group discussion, Atty. Juyo encouraged the participants to share their insights and ask questions if needed. The following table outlines the responses of the participants during the focus group discussion: Gender Equality Situation in the City/Municipality Theme Responses Demographics • We have a data in MPDO but not disaggregated; these area household level data (MPDC). Gender equality • MPDC requires that 25% of the working force must be women policies (MPDC) • No specific policies for Gender Equality in the department (MPDC) • No specific policies but we ensure equal treatment in dealing with clients (PNP) 8