Published on: December 14, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX played a proactive role by conducting the recently-completed Training Rollout focused on implementing the enhanced guidelines for the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) and Barangay Violence Against Women (BVAW) Desk. The event occurred from December 12-13, 2023, at Missio Dei Hotel in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. 

DILG – Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director, Oliver B. Ombos, initiated the proceedings with an opening message, establishing the context for the extensive discussion that ensued. 

Key segments of the event comprised the clarification of the guidelines for the implementation of Barangay Violence Against Women (BVAW) Desk (DILG MC 2023-104), presented by DMO II Beatriz Faye G. Carreon from the DILG Regional Office IX. Additionally, LGOO II Crizel Mae M. Adas from the DILG – Zamboanga del Norte extensively examined the guidelines for the operationalization of the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) (DILG MX 2023-181). 

To offer a more comprehensive viewpoint, Adnan Ahmad, the Head Secretariat of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC IX), shared statistical insights on trafficking within Zamboanga Peninsula. 

The training included a dynamic action planning session in which attendees from Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga City, and Isabela City, Basilan, actively participated. Representatives comprised Provincial/City Social Welfare and Development Officers, GAD Focal Persons, and SB Members focused on Family, Women, and Children Concerns.

This joint endeavor highlights DILG IX’s dedication to providing local government units and essential stakeholders with the fundamental tools and knowledge needed to efficiently address violence against women and their children in the area. Through these proactive measures, DILG IX strives to establish communities that are safer and more secure for all.