LGUs in Caraga tasked to unveil programs enforcing Safe Spaces, anti-child marriage laws

BUTUAN CITY – Local government units in the Caraga region have been tasked to roll-out programs and projects strictly enforcing Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act and RA 11596 or the Prohibition on Child Marriage Law. Led by their Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, these LGUs bind themselves to strengthen the policies in an effort to put an end the abuses against women, Commission on Population and Development (Popcom)-Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano said on Tuesday, May 23. Makinano said this unified effort is the offshoot of a recent orientation-workshop caravan on these laws conducted by the Philippine Commission on Women-North Mindanao Field Office (PCW-NMFO). The PCW-NMFO, led by chief GAD, lawyer Khristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin, oriented the members of Gender and Development Focal Point System of different LGUs, especially those with high cases of gender-based violence, on the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act and Prohibition on Child Marriage Law and how these laws can be implemented on the local level, pursuant to the Executive Order 138. They were oriented on the obligations of the LGUs, how to create a referral system that would cater reports related to gender-based violence, as well as the protocols and procedures in handling cases. Under the localization, local authorities will be responsible for identifying, designating, and managing safe spaces within their jurisdictions. This approach aims to promote community engagement, local accountability, and better understanding of the unique safety concerns faced by different neighborhoods. Makinano emphasized to the participants on the importance of the implementation of EO 131 and the utilization of GAD funds for the attainment of the intent of the Safe Spaces Act and Prohibition on Child Marriage Law. “This EO 131 is very important and the LGU’s move is a big help,” he said.