The Mandaluyong City local government is set to open a protection center which aims to help and shelter women, children, and LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Questioning) members who are victims of abuse and discrimination.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 8, which marked the International Women's Day.
According to Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos, the Mandaluyong City Protection Center for Women, Children & LGBTIQ will be built on Dr. Fabella Street in Barangay Mauway.
The project is also spearheaded by Mandaluyong's Gender and Development Office, City Engineering and City Planning office, and the National Center for Mental Health.
Abalos said that the city has always been proactive in protecting the welfare of its women, youth, and LGBTIQ citizens.
It is also advocating for responsible parenting, which led to the creation of its Code of Parental Responsibility, to ensure that the city's youth will be guided properly by their parents, and making the parents responsible for their children.
On Sept. 20, 2021, Mandaluyong City was also recognized by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) for its efforts in helping indigent families and creating programs for the benefit of children with special needs by awarding it the 2021 National Exemplar-People Program of the Year (PPY) in Public Sector for its Project TEACH (Therapy, Education and Assimilation of Children with Handicap) program.
PMAP explained that the PPY Award in Public Sector is given to an organization or institution that has implemented a program that is pioneering, innovative, and relevant to the time and needs of its beneficiaries.