DAVAO CITY – Local government units and various advocacy groups have signified their interest to replicate the programs of the city’s Integrated Gender Development Division.
Lorna Mandin, IGDD chief said various LGUs and groups “have been showing interest to copy the best practices of Davao City, particularly its programs to address violence against women and children.”
She said at least 28 groups or an estimate of 1,400 individuals were accommodated by the office from January to June this year.
The IGDD received officials from the local government units of Panabo City, Cotabato City, Quezon City, Makati, Angeles City, the autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cebu and groups such as the UP Diliman Women Center.
The IGDD was created under the Office of the City Mayor following the passage of the Women Development Code on October 14, 1997. The office acts as the coordinative, regulatory and monitoring body of the city government and focuses on gender-sensitive projects and activities.
The Women Development Code is a landmark legislation that provides a comprehensive guide to ensure the protection of women’s rights and welfare
During the first and second quarters of 2016, Mandin said the IGDD handled 477 cases involving abuse and violence committed against women and children.
“Majority of these cases are economic and physical abuses in nature,” she said.
Meanwhile, 90 percent of these cases have gone through family conferences to facilitate the provision of financial support for spouses and children, Mandin said. (davaotoday.com)
