Opol, Misamis Oriental Focus Group Discussio on Gender Based Violence Referral Mechanism October 28, 2020 were already affected financially by the pandemic so they went on looking for markets in the next few months. Women in the coastal areas in particular have reached out to the City Government through the Mayor’s Office and the CSWDO to ask for financial assistance for food and other non-food essential products such as diapers, detergent soaps and even alcohols. The City of El Salvador according to the FGD participants, was able to respond to these challenges accordingly because they were able allocate funds for this medical emergency. This is aside from the National funds through the Bayanihan 1 and 2. For the fisherfolks and their families the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also allotted COVID 19 response funds. ▪ RECOMMENDATIONS a) Increase funds to improve the Barangay VAW Desks facilities and infrastructure for quick response on GBV and VAWC cases; b) To allocate funds to increase human resources for the City Social Welfare and Development Office as part of the first responders of GBV cases; c) To establish a data base of women fisherfolks in the city; and, d) For the CHR to collaborate with the local government of El Salvador City to assist them better understand the referral mechanisms on cases of Gender Based Violence. Page 10 of 13