Aklan Province GAD LLHs: Consolidated Efforts Towards VAW-free Community

Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women

The ACCW popularly known as Daeangpan it Mga Kababayen-an It Aklan, was established in 2001 as a 24-hour reception and action center for women and children in difficult circunstances.  The construction of the ACCW facility was funded through the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta and PCW (previously the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women). On the other hand, the establishment of the Child Protection Unit was supported by the European Union and Philippines Against Child Trafficking. The operations of ACCW, as well as the staff complementation and funding for its management and services were specifically reflected in General Ordinance No. 004, series of 2016 or the GAD Code of the Province of Aklan. At present, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office oversee the activities of ACCW in close coordination with the Aklan GAD Commission.

The ACCW Operations Manual provides the general policies governing the day-to-day operations and services of the center. The manual also discuss in details the procedures and guidelines for case management, as well as the functions and accountabilities of the management and staff.

In 2012, ACCW adopted and localized the guidelines of the VAW Referral System Guidelines developed by PCW and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that victim-survivors of gender-based violence will receive the appropriate interventions in the forms of counseling services, legal and medical assistance, and psychiatric and psychological evaluation.  The ACCW clients in-need of psychological interventions were referred to DSWD – Field Office VI, while the Aklan Prosecutor’s Office provided legal assistance.

One of the notable components of the ACCW VAW referral system is the provision of livelihood skills training and capital assistance to expand women’s economic opportunities.  The ACCW has an efficient process of case documentation from the barangay level up to other referral facilities and service providers, which reduces the victimization of clients cause by the conduct of multiple interviews and data gathering. To date the ACCW is managed by 13 center staff, composed of 2 registered social workers, 1 administrative staff, 7 house parents and security officers.

Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere-Aklan Chapter

The MOVE-Aklan Chapter is the first local chapter organized in 2007 to intensify the advocacy of the province to end gender -based violence. It is an organization of proactive men who are committed to pursue the elimination of VAW through awareness-raising and capacity-development of its members.

The organization was assisted by the provincial government of Aklan to obtain its certification from the Social Exchange Commission as a non-governmental organization in August 2013. MOVE Aklan was included as one of the regular members of the Technical Working Group of the Aklan GAD Commission (AGADC) and Aklan Provincial GAD Focal Point System (GFPS).  MOVE-Aklan played an active role in the implementation of Provinces’ activities in line with the 18-day campaign to end VAW.

One of the major gains in the establishment of MOVE-Aklan is that the organization was able to influence and empower the municipal and barangay levels to facilitate effective advocacy campaign in ending VAW in their localities. Overall, the advocacies, education and training programs organized by MOVE-Aklan with its local chapters resulted in the improved awareness of the public, particularly of men on the issue of VAW.

In the spirit of being true to its advocacy, MOVE-Aklan is also in the fore front of issuing statement against rape, sexist and gender-based jokes, and leads the provision of training to change the culture of masculinity in partnership with different organization. The sustained operation of MOVE-Aklan is a good example of how LGUs and other institutions can contribute to the HeForShe campaign, a solidarity global movement initiated by the United Nation Secretary General for the promotion of gender equality. Indeed, the Province of Aklan successfully engaged men into the front-line of VAW-free community campaigns by utilizing the full potential of the organization.

MOVE Aklan Chapter has 825 active members. As a requirement to be a member and in creating a local chapter, all  members are trained on the core and basic knowledge about MOVE, Gender Sensitivity and Salient features of Republic Act 9262 or commonly known as Anti-VAWC Act of 2004. MOVE officials are also trained in other gender-related laws and mandates, understanding different forms of gender-based violence and gender sensitive handling of VAW-related cases, and basic community organizing.

The Provincial Government of Aklan remains steadfast in its mission for a VAW-Free community. The Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women (ACCW) and Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) Aklan Chapter are testaments to this commitment to achieve a transformed society, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through institutionalization of knowledge-based actions, strengthened social facilities and consolidated advocacy efforts.

GAD LLH Coordinator:

Supervising Administrative Officer Lorna T. Cawaling
Email Address: ppdoaklan@gmail.com
Telephone Number: (036) 268-5442 or 262-1555

GAD Local Learning Hubs: 

Abra de Ilog (Likha Iraya)
Aklan (ACCW and MOVE-Aklan Chapter)
Baybay City (BMIS and WEE Program)
Davao City (IGDD, OSC-VAW, CMC, and Ray of Hope Village)
Iloilo (Convergence for Women’s Economic Empowerment Program)
Mabalacat City (Early Childhood Care and Development Program)
Misamis Occidental (PGADO)
Naga (Bantay Familia, GROW Negosyo Program, and Breast Feeding Program)
Palawan (LWC)
Pangasinan (PCIC)
Quezon City (QCPC and Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics)
Quezon Province (PGADO, LKB Program, and 2-in-1 Program)