Councilor Elmer Datuin formally kicked-off the city’s Women’s Month Celebration during flag-raising rites, March 3, at City Hall, with the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, that aims to honor women and address issues that may affect them.
Datuin disclosed that he represented the city at the recent 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development in Bangkok, Thailand where he talked on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender and Equality whose objective is to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.
“Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but it is a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. It seeks to end all discrimination and violence against women and children,” he said.
Datuin said the Summer Capital has maintained its own Gender Equality and Development (GED) Code since 2005, amended by Ordinance No. 105 in 2020 which emphasizes a more inclusive, human rights-centered approach to policy and program crafting.
The city is also planning to launch the Gender and Development (GAD) agenda this month that will serve as a public hub for information, advocacy, and awareness regarding gender-related issues, he disclosed.
He said the city has established Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Desks in all 128 barangays, staffed with trained personnel to manage these particular cases and function as a frontline avenue, tackling gender-based violence at the grassroots level and guaranteeing accessible support and intervention.
Through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (OCSWADO), Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDC) receive support such as counseling, financial aid, and other social services, ensuring that survivors of VAWC receive the required interventions to rebuild their lives.
The Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) led by deputy city secretary Dan Ricky Ong has been established with chapters in several barangays, Datuin said.
Pursuant to Republic Act 8551, the Baguio City Police Office launched the “Manang Pulis Program,” a 24/7 women and children protection unit dedicated to handling crime cases against chastity, sexual harassment, and other maltreatment of women and children.
He said the Baguio City Command Center is utilizing AI-powered cameras and environmental sensors to boost emergency response in crime prevention, forging safer streets for women and vulnerable groups.
This is reinforced by the completion of LED street lighting projects to heighten visibility and public safety, Datuin added.
He stressed that the City is dedicated to enhancing and implementing programs to bolster women in all fields and furnish platforms for their advancement.** Halle Fesway/Baguio PIO Intern/gk
