Abalos orders LGUs to ramp up policies on violence against women, children

DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. Photo from Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday called on local government units (LGUs) to strengthen its programs and policies on violence against women and children (VAWC), as well as the welfare of solo parents.

Interior Sec. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. made the call in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), where he told LGUs to address issues on VAWC, as well as unveiled programs for solo parents.

“The protection of women and children and welfare of solo parents are issues that the President and his administration will focus on,” said Abalos in a statement.

“We are, therefore, urging our LGUs to respond with fervor and intensify programs and policies addressing these concerns. Protektahan at pangalagaan natin ang kanilang kapakanan (let’s protect and take care of their welfare),” he added.

According to Abalos, a total of 6,383 VAW have already been reported to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center from January to July 2022, while 9,677 cases of violence against children have also been tallied in the same period.

Because of this, Abalos said LGUs should intensify their campaign against VAWC and strictly follow their mandate on the protection of both women and children.

“With the rise in VAWC incidents during the pandemic, barangays and local government units must strengthen protective programs, counseling and support services for women who are victims of abuse and solo parents alike because they run to you [LGUs] first when they have concerns and problems,” he said.

Solo parents

Meanwhile, Abalos also urged LGUs to effectively implement the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act or Republic Act (RA) No. 11861 to grant additional benefits to solo parents.

“Our LGUs have a role to play in implementing this law, and we will ensure that they will coordinate with the concerned agencies to fast-track its enforcement and swiftly deliver help to our solo parents nationwide,” he said.

The said law includes spouses or family members of overseas Filipino workers as solo parents, making them eligible for a P1,000 monthly cash subsidy for solo parents earning minimum wage and below.

Apart from this, a 10 percent discount and exemption from value-added tax on baby’s milk, food and micronutrient supplements, and sanitary diapers, among others, can also be claimed to up to 6 years of their children’s age, provided that they earn less than P250,000 annually.

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