Ifugao youth mobilized as anti rape,anti-VAWC advocates

LAGAWE, Ifugao, Sept. 14(PIA) - - Youth in the province are  mobilized as anti-rape and anti- Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) advocates in their respective communities.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Ifugao Police Provincial Office held a two-day anti-rape and VAWC advocacy training to 18 youths particularly Sangguniang Kabataan officials  from the  different municipalities of the province.

Provincial Social and Welfare Officer Miriam Baguidudol enjoins the youth   to  be the link between the provincial government and the different barangays of the province in  effors against rape and VAWC. . (MBL, PIA CAR, Ifugao)aption

PSDW Officer Miriam Baguidudol said that these newly trained youths will be the advocates and links in the different barangays for the elimination of rape and VAWC cases in the province, which  remain high and  sometimes lead to suicide.

“If there are problems that the youths cannot tell or disclose to their parents, these young volunteers can come in to know the problems of their peers. So we mobilized them to reach out  to the vulnerable sector in the society,” she added.

“We really need the support of every one to address these problems. Let’s be open to refer to concerned authorities to give justice to the victims,” she  said adding that  their office will provide the necessary assistance to these support groups.

Roa Buhong, Tinoc municipal SK federation president, said that it is very painful to see youths being abused and commit suicide so it’s high time to exert more efforts for the future of the young generation.

Buhong said they will be visiting the different barangays to do information drives to create awareness that will empower the community to involve themselves for the prevention of rape and VAWC cases.

Rodel Habbiling, a youth also from Hingyon, said he volunteered to be part of the group to help educate his peers on anti-VAWC and rape.

Meanwhile, Ifugao SK Federation President Aezle Dumangeng shared that they are set to conduct mental health awareness focus group discussion, 40-day online exercise challenge and a seminar to help also the youths combat depressions due to the pandemic.

She enjoined her fellow youths to support the government's fight against COVID-19 by being responsible enough to abide with the health protocols imposed by concerned agencies. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)