PCW Memorandum Circular 2013-04: Utilization of the Barangay VAW Desk Handbook as Guide in the Establishment and Operationalization of Barangay VAW Desks


Date26 December 2013
ToAll Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors, Punong Barangays, The ARMM Governor, The ARMM Regional Secretary, DILG Regional Directors and Field Officers and Others Concerned
SubjectUtilization of the Barangay VAW Desk Handbook as Guide in the Establishment and Operationalization of Barangay VAW Desks


The devastation brought about by typhoon Yolanda has increased the vulnerability of the survivors, especially women and children, to the threats of violence, exploitation and human trafficking. An estimated 3.2 million women and 4.6 million children are needing psychosocial support and protection against violence, trafficking and exploitation, according to United Nations Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination, Valeria Amos.This situation calls for much needed establishment or strengthening of VAW desks in LGUs not only in disaster affected areas but in other areas as well.


Per the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW or RA 9710), “all barangays shall establish a VAW desk”. Furthermore, “all provincial governors and city and municipal mayors shall “ensure the establishment of a VAW Desk in every barangay within their jurisdiction and provide technical and financial assistance” (Section 12D). To guide the implementation of this mandate, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) jointly issued in 2010 the Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-2 on the Guidelines in the Establishment of a Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk in Every Barangay.


The Barangay VAW Desk Handbook was developed to help barangay officials in the operation of their VAW Desks and equip and guide them in responding to cases brought to their attention.The Handbook provides a detailed discussion on how to set and maintain a VAW Desk, the roles and responsibilities of VAW Desk Officers, and how to render efficient and effective services to victim-survivors.


All LGU officials, especially barangay officials, are enjoined to utilize the handbook in setting up and/or strengthening and operationalizing their respective Barangay VAW Desks.


Provincial governors and city and municipal mayors are encouraged to fund the reproduction and dissemination of the handbook for their respective barangays using their GAD Budget. E-copy of the handbook could be accessed and downloaded here and from the websites of the DILG,DSWD, DOLE, and CSC. Limited hard copies are available at the PCW.



For guidance and appropriate action.



(Sgd.) REMEDIOS I. RIKKEN
Chairperson



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