In view of the rising cases of gender-based violence in the region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, conducted a two-day dialogue seeking to draft guidelines on the operationalization of the partnership between DSWD and CHR in formulating a plan of action to sustain collaboration, and discuss basic concepts/principles of human rights especially in the Gender and Development (GAD) aspect of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) implementation.

“We really want to raise awareness on human rights, and be partners with DSWD. If we have referrals on gender-based violence (GBV) in relation to the 4Ps beneficiaries, we will work on it,” CHR-Caraga Regional Human Rights Director Atty. Jerefe D. Tubigon-Bacang assured.

Prior the drafting of regional guidelines, an orientation of the existing programs and services of CHR and DSWD were discussed by Oliver Salino, CHR Training Specialist, and Elsa Alcuetas-Jamora, DSWD Sectoral Head, respectively.

4Ps Caraga Assistant Regional Program Coordinator Jehmymah L. Moscatiles also presented the status of 4Ps implementation, and the salient features of the Republic Act 11310, or the 4Ps Law. To date, there are 181,316 4Ps active beneficiaries in the Region.

CHR-Caraga also discussed their thrusts and priorities in the Promotion, Protection, Prevention, and Policy Advisory on Gender and Development, being the watchdog and protector of the general public from abuses of the government, especially from laws and statutes which are contrary to the GAD guidelines. ###(Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)