REMAI ALEJADO
Provincial Press Bureau
Online news contributor
PAGADIAN CITY--The Provincial Gender and Development Council (PGADC) have aligned its strategies for the special protection of children, maternal health and livelihood.
Board member Felicidad Funtanilla, who is also PGADC’s vice chair, said their council will focus on these concerns, in support of Gov. Aurora Cerilles promotion of women’s rights.
“Women who are abused need help while some need to be industrious and be given programs and activities to become useful in the community,” Cerilles emphasized.
The governor, in raising public consciousness on women’s civil liberties, added that health and well-being are likewise essential for women development.
During PGADC’s meeting last week, Provincial Health Officer Corazon Silla-Ariosa presented the Gender and Development Code (GDC) of Zamboanga del Sur.
The enactment of this province GDC is for the harmonizing gender policies, plans, programs and activities of the local government unit, NGOs and Pos.
The GDC mirrors the upholding of the equality of women and men as partners in nation building and development
Also, PSWD Officer Conchita San Diego underscored the role of PGADC, which is mainly for the protection of women and children.
Safety of women and children in conflict is one issue. Even in the provision of lavatories and restrooms in shelters and evacuation centers, there should be a separate one for women. So is true with menial chores, added San Diego.
Then there’s incest and sexual abuse on women committed by blood relatives, even fathers, San Diego noted.
In line with this concern, the Home for Children in Dao was established, maintained and supervised by the PSWD.