𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍
The Cebu Provincial Government is pushing for the establishment of “Balay ni Neneng,” a dedicated facility that will serve victims of violence against women and children (VAWC) in the province.
The Provincial Committee on Anti-trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-VAWC) during its first quarter meeting on Tuesday, March 3, has approved a resolution seeking to realign a budget for gender-based violence programs under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to fund the facility’s establishment.
Guidelines for the implementation of the center are outlined in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular NO. 2024-033.
DILG Provincial Director Jesus Robel Sastrillo said the facility will function as a one-stop-shop providing temporary shelter, protection, and recovery services for victims of rape and other VAWC-related cases.
During the meeting, PCAT-VAWC Chairperson Governor Pamela Baricuatro pointed out the urgency of addressing abuse cases in the province.
“Mao baya ni pinakadako nga problema nato sa probinsya – ang VAWC. We need help here!” the governor said.
Gov. Baricuatro also hinted that a provincial lot has been eyed for the construction of the facility.
Meanwhile, PLT. Ritchil Tesoro, chief of the women and children’s protection desk of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said the facility will significantly help law enforcement operations.
“Ang Balay ni Neneng dakong tabang because we don’t have a holding facility, especially for children in conflict with the law,” Tesoro said.
According to comparative data released by the CPPO, VAWC cases from January to February 2026 reached 137, a 47.10% decrease from the 259 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. These cases include violations of Republic Act NO. 9262 or the Anti-violence Against Women and their Children Act, acts of lasciviousness, rape, concubinage, and violations of Republic Act NO. 11313 or the safe spaces act.
Tesoro attributed the decrease in VAWC cases in the province to strengthened prevention efforts, including the “Police sa Panimalay” program, a house-to-house visitation initiative of the Philippine National Police and their flyer distribution.
The PSWDO also presented accomplishment reports on various women empowerment initiatives, including the Sugbo Kahanas Program, a skills training and livelihood initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of Cebuanos.
In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the Provincial Gender and Development Office has proposed the creation of a dedicated VAWC desk at the Provincial Capitol to further strengthen support systems for women and children. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒀𝑱𝑩, 𝑭𝑬
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