The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office (FO) Caraga participated in the kick-off activity of the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, November 28, 2023.

 

Commission on Population Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano, who at the same time is the Chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC) – Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), in his message, reinforced the purpose of the campaign, stating pressing issues that need utmost solution.

 

“There has been an 11.36% increase in the prevalence of physical violence from a partner experienced by women and girls in Caraga Region. It is a concerning trend suggesting that women and children in Caraga, despite and in spite of our efforts, are still not safe. These numbers could become worse because it does not include unreported cases—however, they provide insight into the scope of the problem we are all dealing with here,” Makinano said.

Moreover, he leaves members of RDC-RGADC with a challenge, “With the theme, ‘United for a VAW Free Philippines,’ President Ferdinand Marcos urges us to implement the VAW-related legislations and streamline procedures. He calls for full enforcement of programs and policies for women’s security and empowerment. This Christmas and New Year, let our collective efforts be our gift to all women and girls in the Caraga region – may we celebrate a season where they are free from all forms of abuse, discrimination, and violence.”

As an Agency mandated to promote the social protection of the vulnerable and disadvantaged, DSWD Field Office Caraga acknowledges the sickness that has threatened the women sector in society and, in every way, does its part in curing this illness.

 

Furthermore, as the chair of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women, the Field Office, through Ms. Rose D. Baclayon, PDO III, presented a series of activities to further the campaign in which all are encouraged to participate.

Through initiatives like psychosocial support and reintegration processes, DSWD aims to empower the vulnerable, emphasizing their well-being and societal worth. The Agency’s programs reflect a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community, steadfast to the campaign to end violence for all.