Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday, urged provinces, cities, and
municipalities to ensure the establishment and functionality of a Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk in every barangay to effectively
address local cases at the grassroots level.
In DILG Memo Circular 2023-104, Abalos said provincial, city, and municipal LGUs are ordered to provide technical and financial
assistance to barangays; develop and distribute information materials to raise public awareness on VAW and how to report incidents and seek help; and provide recognition and incentives to barangays with exemplary performance in addressing gender-based violence issues.
Meanwhile, Abalos said Punong Barangays (PBs) must create or update an ordinance providing support for the establishment and sustained operations of VAW Desk; and designate a Barangay VAW Desk Officer trained in handling gender-sensitive cases, preferably a female Sangguniang Barangay Member or a female peacekeeper.
He also said the Barangay VAW Desk must be within or near the barangay hall or close to the office of the PB with necessary resources to
assist victim-survivors, such as equipment and supplies for documenting cases and preserving evidence; communication equipment and
first aid kit, among others.
Section 9 of Republic Act No. 9710 or the “Magna Carta of Women” and Section 12 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations, mandates all
LGUs to establish VAW Desks in every barangay to assist victims and respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay and address other forms of abuse committed against women.