Cebu congress lauds women as game changers

CEBU CITY — More than 300 women from various sectors in Cebu province celebrated National Women’s Month with a congress highlighting women as game changers in women’s rights, poverty alleviation and in community-based cooperatives.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III told the participants that cooperatives provide women with more opportunities to start their own livelihood or business.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpales, Provincial Women Commission (PWC) chairperson said they plan to put up 1,400 posters in barangay halls with messages on the rights of women and children, advocacy against violence, cybercrimes and human trafficking.

Magpale reported that this year the PWC rescued four young victims and arrested 14 perpetrators of violence against women and/children, cybercrimes and trafficking of children, 11 of whom already have cases filed against them.

“PWC conducted counseling sessions to 137 victims and survivors of these crimes. Counseling sessions include psychological therapy, medical, forensic and legal and other services,” Magpale said.

The commission conducted 120 consultations all over the province, including the cities of Cebu and LapuLapu to empower women to speak up and be part of the rights-based support groups, Magpale said.

PWC also provide scholarship programs for students,

About 132 students were enrolled in the second semester of 2016-2017 and another 706 students are enrolled this school year 2017-2018, she said.

In cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) they implemented a cash-for-work program for displaced women in the province.

Magpale said 746 women from 13 barangays mostly in northern Cebu that were hit by typhoons were beneficiaries of the program.

“We have also conducted skills/ livelihood training in 209 barangays with 2,789 women as beneficiaries,” she said. (Minerva Bc Newman)