![Partners vow to help end violence against women, children in LDS](https://mindanaotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Featured-3.jpg)
Assistant Prosecutor Rayhanah Ditual of Lanao del Sur Office of the Provincial Prosecutor says the fulfillment of the residential care facility will not only give voice to the victims of violence against women and children (VAWC) but also a safe shelter that shall give care and rehabilitation. (Jason Casas | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)
Mindanaotoday.com | Partners vow to help end violence against women, children in LDS
By: Claire Gigje
MARAWI CITY – The fight to end violence against women and children (VAWC) in the province of Lanao del Sur goes on and never ceases.
With the provincial government bannering its mission well, especially after initiating the construction of its first residential care facility, partners showed their support and dedication to push for the same intention.
Lt. Melanie Guerrero, Police Provincial Office Women and Child Protection Desk officer, congratulated the province for its endeavor in extending aid to oppressed and other needy individuals.
![Partners vow to help end violence against women, children in LDS](http://mindanaotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Featured-4-300x200.jpg)
She conveyed the happiness of the police force for the care and concern for the vulnerable sector which stirs them to be more supportive of the current administration.
“Rest assured of our commitment and support in the mandate and sworn duties. Our dream came true na magkaroon tayo ng ating [as we will have our] residential care facility,” said Guerrero.
Rayhanah Ditual, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor assistant prosecutor, also hailed the provincial government, particularly its building of the facility for gender-based violence (GBV) victims.
She underscored that this effort is truly unprecedented and adds to the achievement of the locality.
Ditual mentioned that the fight against women abuse and their children has already been existing for centuries and Lanao del Sur province is no exception to this unfortunate scenario.
She shared that when she arrived in the province as a prosecutor, she was taken aback that no VAWC or any child abuse cases have been filed in her office.
Ditual admitted that she was both happy and scared, maintaining that it would be impossible for this kind of violence to not exist in her place.
However, hearing the established Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), and Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC (PCAT-VAWC) eased her feelings.
Highlighting even more the building of a residential care facility, she was optimistic that VAWC victims and survivors would already have their own safe haven.
“I felt that the silence was very definite… Now, we have gone to the phase of recognizing that this really exists and something has to be done. Now, we have given voices to these victims. Our office commends this province for its effort to give voice and now, shelter to the victims. Kasama niyo ang opisina namin sa ganitong [Our office is with you in this kind of] activities. We highly support you,” said Ditual.
The assistant prosecutor hoped for the sustainability of all the initiatives of the provincial government.
Meanwhile, Farida Mangcaan, Community and Family Services International (CFSI) Marawi head of office, likewise delivered its support to the provincial government, especially after knowing about the construction of the residential care facility.She stated that the rise of this public infrastructure would be a unique and remarkable milestone in the whole Bangsamoro region as this would be reflected as an exemplar and proof of political will, especially in the local governance as local officials campaign for social protection for the vulnerable, disadvantaged and other persons with special needs.
Mangcaan underlined that her organization has been part of the child protection and gender-based violence working group, and this will further hearten them to back the aim of the provincial government by encouraging more effective utilization of the residential care facility.
“We will support you in whatever capacity that we can… We need to have the structure functional and meaningful, as well as transformative para makapagbigay ng bagong pag-asa sa mga nangangailangan [so that this can give hope to the needy]. We are one with you with Ranao, which is VAWC, child-friendly, and a model province for the entire BARMM,” she said. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)
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