As part of the nationwide observance of National Women’s Month 2026, the University of Northern Philippines’ Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), in collaboration with the City Government of Vigan, spearheaded a capacity-building activity titled “Building Safer Environments: Legal Capacity Development on the Anti-VAWC Law and Bawal Bastos Law” on March 5, 2026.
The initiative brought together local officials and community stakeholders to deepen their understanding of key gender-protection laws and strengthen their responsiveness in addressing cases of violence against women and gender-based sexual harassment, reinforcing a collective commitment to create safer and more inclusive communities.
The capacity-building program was attended by members of the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk Officers from various barangays in Vigan City, and representatives from several social welfare organizations in the city. The activity served as an important platform for strengthening the competencies of frontline public servants, providing them with a deeper understanding of the legal framework and practical strategies needed to effectively address and manage gender-based cases within their respective communities. It also reinforced the crucial role of local leaders and service providers in ensuring the protection, support, and justice for victims of violence.
Legal experts Atty. Katrynn Louise Eder, Director, Center for Gender and Development; and Atty. Christian Casildo, CGAD Coordinator, served as the resource speakers for the activity, sharing their expertise on laws that protect women from violence and harassment.
Atty. Eder delivered a comprehensive lecture-guide focused on the proper handling of Violence Against Women (VAW) cases, emphasizing the crucial role of barangay officials and VAW Desk Officers as first responders in their communities. She emphasized their responsibilities in receiving complaints, providing immediate assistance to victims, and ensuring that all procedures are carried out in accordance with existing legal protocols.
Meanwhile, Atty. Casildo discussed the key provisions of Republic Act No. 11313, widely known as the Bawal Bastos Law, which addresses gender-based sexual harassment in streets and public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and even online platforms. His presentation highlighted the important role of local government officials in enforcing the law, strengthening community awareness, and implementing effective measures to prevent and respond to incidents of harassment within their respective jurisdictions.
Both laws play a crucial role in public service, particularly at the barangay level, where local officials often serve as the first point of contact for victims seeking help and protection. During the discussions, the speakers emphasized the need for cases involving violence against women and sexual harassment to be handled with utmost sensitivity, strict confidentiality, and deep respect for the victim’s privacy. They highlighted the importance of adopting a survivor-centered approach to ensure that complainants feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout the process of seeking justice.
In addition to the lectures, the activity also featured a free legal consultation for cases related to gender-based violence, providing participants and other community members the opportunity to seek legal guidance and clarify concerns regarding VAWC and sexual harassment cases.
The activity forms part of the broader celebration of National Women’s Month 2026, which aims to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in society and promote awareness of laws and programs that protect their rights and welfare.
