COMMUNICATION DEVICES. Mobile phones were distributed to the 117 barangay violence against women (BVAW) desk officers in six local government units of the fifth district in Negros Occidental during the VAW district assembly held on July 5, 2024. The mobile phones are for response to calls or texts from clients and to network or refer cases to other agencies. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government is providing basic mobile phone units to barangay violence against women (BVAW) desk officers in all 601 villages of the province to boost response and referral of cases.
The first batch of recipients were the 117 BVAW desk officers in six local government units of the fifth district, including the municipalities of Binalbagan, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, Isabela and La Castellana, and Himamaylan City, during the VAW district assembly held on July 5.
Marie June Castro, action officer of the Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point System, said on Monday that the mobile phones are for the exclusive use of the BVAW desk officers.
“They will use it to respond to calls or texts from clients and to network or refer cases to other agencies. In compliance with the guidelines set in the BVAW desk handbook, the phones have no cameras so that the privacy and identity of the victims will be protected and confidentiality will be observed,” Castro said in an interview.
She added that BVAW desk officers should use a separate camera for photo documentation of clients and activities.
In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provision of mobile phones to BVAW desk officers shows the province’s dedication to protecting women and their children against injustice, discrimination, and other human rights violations, aside from other projects.
“These gadgets, in addition to your allowance from the provincial government, are all meant to empower you to perform your duties more effectively in addressing violence against women,” he added. (PNA)
