LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 has recognized the Province of Pangasinan as a ‘Highly Functional Provincial Council for the Protection of Children Against Abuse and Trafficking (PCAT) and Provincial Council for the Protection of Women (VAWC)’.
Reflecting the province’s strong commitment to protecting and empowering women and children, the recognition acknowledges the province’s effort in promoting a safe and supportive environment both for women and children. Likewise, it mirrors the present administration led by Governor Ramon V. Guico, the dedication to upholding their rights and welfare.
Under Governor Guico, the provincial government has bolstered outreach and social services in partnership with the First Spouses League led by the provincial chief executive’s wife, Mrs. Maan Tuazon Guico, and with the help of several departments to include the social welfare, health, and employment offices, as well as other line agencies. Social services such as provision of financial assistance, burial, educational and medical assistance are given to serve the most vulnerable constituents.
In addition, livelihood programs through skills training and other community-based activities were initiated. Some of these programs include Technical Vocational Training (TVET) which are accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Specific skills training include bookkeeping, caregiving, welding, beauty care, health care services and others.
The presence of the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC) which is a certified Gender and Development Local Learning Hub, is also a manifestation of support and services for Pangasinense women and children by the current administration.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, on the other hand, fully supports all programs and projects that redounds to the benefit of the vulnerable sectors of society.
Aside from the ordinance creating the LCAT-VAWC), the SP crafted several provincial ordinances and resolutions to protect the welfare of women and children. Some of these include the creation of Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in the Province of Pangasinan to promote the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities which also benefit women and children who are differently-abled.
Other local resolutions of various towns and cities include creation of Safe Spaces Act which aims to prevent gender-based sexual harrassment in streets, public spaces, online, workplaces and educational or training institutions; provision of emergency relief and protection for children before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations.
(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)
