LAGAWE, Ifugao — Youths in this province were mobilized as anti-rape and anti- Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) advocates in their respective communities.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Ifugao Police Provincial Office held a two-day anti-rape and anti-VAWC advocacy training to 18 youths particularly Sangguniang Kabataan officials from the different municipalities of the province.
PSDW Officer Miriam Baguidudol said that these newly trained youths will be the advocates and links in the different barangays for the elimination of rape and VAWC cases in the province, which remain high and sometimes lead to suicides.
“If there are problems that the youths cannot tell or disclose to their parents, these young volunteers can come in to know the problems of their peers. So we mobilized them to reach out to the vulnerable sector in the society,” she added.
“We really need the support of every one to address these problems. Let’s be open to refer to concerned authorities to give justice to the victims,” she said adding that their office will provide the necessary assistance to these support groups.
Roa Buhong, Tinoc municipal SK federation president, said that it is very painful to see youths being abused and then commit suicide so it’s high time to exert more efforts for the future of the younger generation.
Buhong said they will be visiting the different barangays to do information drives to create awareness that will empower the community to involve themselves for the prevention of rape and VAWC cases.
Rodel Habbiling, a youth also from Hingyon, said he volunteered to be part of the group to help educate his peers on anti-VAWC and anti-rape moves and consequences..
Meanwhile, Ifugao SK Federation President Aezle Dumangeng shared that they are set to conduct mental health awareness discussions with focus groups, 40-day online exercise challenge and a seminar to help also the youths combat depression due to the pandemic.
She also enjoined her fellow youths to support the government’s fight against COVID-19 by being responsible enough to abide by the health protocols being imposed by government agencies.** By Marcelo Lihgawon, PIA CAR, Ifugao
