𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍, 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has announced that the Capitol’s facility for abused women and their children, to be called “Balay ni Neneng,” will be built as early as next quarter.
“Naa nay lugar, ang pag-build na lang sa building,” the governor said during her regular press briefing at the Capitol on March 11.
Governor Baricuatro said the project became necessary after reports reached her that while the provincial police were able to apprehend suspects in domestic abuse cases, victims — particularly women and their children — often had nowhere to go due to the absence of a dedicated shelter facility.
In 2017, during the tenure of former governor Hilario Davide III, the provincial government established the Provincial Women and Children Development Center in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, which served as a shelter for abused women and children from across the province.
However, the facility was later converted into a BUCAS Center by the previous administration and placed under the Department of Health.
DECLINE IN VAWC CASES
The governor also reported a significant decline in violence against women and their children (VAWC) cases in the province under her administration.
Data from the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-VAWC), which met with the governor earlier this week, showed that cases have dropped by about 40 percent.
Comparative data released by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) showed that VAWC cases from January to February 2026 reached 137, representing a 47.10 percent 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.
Baricuatro attributed the decrease in cases to strengthened prevention efforts, including the “Police sa Panimalay” program — a house-to-house visitation initiative of the Philippine National Police that includes the distribution of informational flyers to households.
BAWAL BASTOS
The governor also highlighted the Capitol’s continued enforcement of the Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos Law,” which defines and penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, schools, and online.
The law protects individuals from acts such as catcalling, misogynistic slurs, and unwanted sexual advances, with the aim of ensuring safety and equality in public areas.
“Ato gyod ipahibalo sa katawhan nga Safe Spaces Act exists, ug bawal bastoson ang kababayen-an,” the governor said, stressing that the effort aligns with the observance of International Women’s Month. |𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬
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