TACLOBAN CITY (CIO) — Tacloban City’s facility for Abused Women and Children celebrated its 9th Founding Anniversary on Wednesday, March 2.

The Tacloban Women and Children’s Shelter is the first facility in Region 8 managed by a local government which offers psychosocial support and shelter for abused women and their Children.

On behalf of Mayor Romualdez, Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin graced the event along with City Councilor Jom Bagulaya and reigning Miss Tacloban Cassandra Marie Lee. Also present was City Social Welfare Officer Remedios Buna.

According to Shelter Head Carmela Bastes, the facility which offers psychosocial support and temporary shelter for abused women and children currently has 34 admitted clients.

The facility is the only one of its kind in the region maintained by a local government unit and is accredited by DSWD National Office. It also conducts center-based advocacy and education of RA 9262.

In-house social workers will file court cases and seek protection orders for the victim after a social case study of each client has been made.

The shelter recently availed of a 1million grant from non-government organization Plan International which will be used for the expansion of its facilities that will include a library and conference room.

The facilities need to be upgraded as the City Government is aiming for second-level accreditation from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, the other women empowerment initiative of the local government is the Cristina’s Learn and Earn Program. Started in 2006, it offers 8 short-term livelihood courses and has graduated more than 8,000 beneficiaries mostly women.

Victims of VAW are advised to seek help from a sympathetic family member or friend and report to the barangay, social worker, or the police. – H.J. Roca with a report from M. Simborio/CIO

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Photo: K. E. Napala/CIO