Written by: Meredel Fe P. Fullo | Photos by: Jon Rey P. Lumayag & Jandawyne Francis M. Caluya
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – In an initiative to combat violence against women and their children (VAWC), a team from Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) presented Phase 1 of the VAWC Desk Portal Project at the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) Hall. The portal, led by WMSU representatives Lucy Felix-Sadiwa, Salimar Tahil, and Jaydee Ballaho, is a product of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between LGRRC IX and WMSU in February 2024.
The VAWC Desk Portal aims to empower barangays across the Zamboanga Peninsula in addressing VAWC cases. It also serves as an accessible platform for victim-survivors and advocates to report incidents of abuse. This innovative tool is designed to enhance reporting mechanisms and strengthen the support system for women and children facing violence.
During the presentation, the LGRRC IX Core Team reviewed Phase 1 of the portal’s development, actively engaging in discussions and providing valuable feedback to improve its services and functionality. The session underscored the collaborative spirit between LGRRC IX and WMSU, with the institution being a Local Resource Institute member of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC), ensuring the portal aligns with the specific needs of barangays and stakeholders in the region.
Looking ahead, several steps have been outlined to advance the project. Phase 2 will involve presenting the portal to the members of LGRRC IX MSAC to secure broader support and engagement. Coordination meetings with key agencies are planned to facilitate the portal’s operationalization. Furthermore, pilot testing will be conducted in select barangays across the region to evaluate the platform’s effectiveness and identify areas for enhancement.
This initiative marks a significant stride toward addressing VAWC cases in the region by leveraging technology and fostering collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and local resource institutes. As the project progresses, it holds the promise of creating safer and more responsive barangays for women and children in the Zamboanga Peninsula.