FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD): Gender-Based Violence Referral Mechanism CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Accordingly, the city of Cagayan de Oro (CdO) in Misamis Oriental and the municipality of Maramag in Bukidnon were selected as the pilot areas for the implementation of the project, based on the reported high incidence of GBV in the said areas. The remarkable policies of CdO, such as the Children’s Code and Parental Responsibility Code, also made the city as the primary choice to be the pilot area of the project. Atty. Palma also shared the role of CHR as the Gender Ombud. Aside from the provision of legal assistance, CHR, as the gender ombud, is mandated to monitor compliance with the Magna Carta of Women, establish guidelines and mechanisms that will facilitate access of women to legal remedies, and enhance the protection and promotion of the rights of women, especially those from the marginalized sector. After providing a background on the observatory project and laying down its objectives, Atty. Palma stated that CHR-X will update the participants of the results of the mapping. The results will be presented during the Regional GBV Mapping, scheduled on 25 November 2019. Atty. Palma also informed the body that the lead researcher for the project is the University of the Philippines – Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. After Atty. Palma’s presentation, Atty. Gaudiel proceeded with the FGD. Atty. Gaudiel explained that the discussion will be guided by the following topics: 1. Gender equality situationer in the city/municipality 2. Gender-based violence in the city/municipality 3. Case management (specific to the service provider) 4. Documentation 5. Recommendations In compliance with data privacy laws, Atty. Gaudiel informed the participants that should they wish to not be quoted in the report, they may so request for anonymity. Page 6 of 16