Empowering barangay frontliners for Women's Month

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Enrile, conducted an Orientation on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) for 44 Barangay VAW desk officers and secretaries.

Club President Josefina Sedano emphasized that educating barangay officials is crucial in strengthening grassroots efforts to protect women’s rights and build safer communities.

During the session, Past Area Director Attorney Mila Lauigan led a discussion on VAWC and Republic Act 9262, explaining how awareness of women’s rights empowers them to stand against abuse—not just for themselves, but for others. She also covered the VAWC Referral System and Proper Documentation, stressing that barangay frontliners are first responders and that accurate documentation is essential in ensuring justice for survivors.

Vice President Attorney Milagros Mitoy Cayosa spoke on Protection Orders and Legal Remedies, highlighting that legal mechanisms exist to safeguard victims and that it is vital to ensure these protections reach those in need.

Attorney Cecilia Lazaro provided insights on the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), underscoring that everyone has the right to feel safe in public spaces and that respect is not optional—it is the law.

The orientation also featured an interactive role-playing session, allowing participants to act out real-life scenarios and practice responding to harassment and VAWC-related cases. This hands-on approach helped strengthen their readiness and confidence in handling such situations.

The event was facilitated by Zontians Amalia Decena and Sugar Macarilay, with Municipal Administrator Marife Guzman Toledo delivering the closing message, reaffirming LGU Enrile’s commitment to raising awareness and building a violence-free and inclusive society.