Antique to open barangay women’s desks

SAN JOSE de BUENAVISTA – The Antique provincial board has approved an ordinance opening a desk to handle cases of violence against women in every barangay in the province.

Sponsored by Assistant Majority Floor Leader Egidio Elio, the ordinance aims to ensure that gender-based violence is fully addressed at the barangay level.

Under the ordinance, the desk will respond to cases of violence against women brought to the barangay; provide victims, especially indigent ones, financial aid for their immediate needs; and assist victims in securing a Barangay Protection Order (BPO) and other necessary services.

It will also develop the barangay’s gender-responsive plan to address such violence and coordinate and refer cases to government agencies, non-government organizations and institutions.

It will also address other forms of abuse committed against women, especially senior citizens, women with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

The provincial board members shall submit the ordinance to the office of the governor for approval.

Funds for the barangay women’s desk will come from the local government unit’s budget for gender and development (GAD).

Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sector. (PNA)