BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – The in-house “Training on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC)” attended by the staff of ATI-Caraga has helped educate the participants on gender-based violence and thereby intensifying further VAWC’s global advocacy.

The objectives of the said training were to enhance the knowledge of each participant with regard to VAWC, get updates on the corresponding laws related to VAWC and gain appreciation on every right of women and children.

During the lecture proper, the first topic discussed was on Health and Wellness by Dr. Palerma Viola, Holistic Nutritional Coach and Naturopath/Sclerologist from Pm International. In her discussion, she encouraged everyone to live a healthy lifestyle starting on a proper and balanced diet. She also mentioned the effects of stress and how to get rid of them.

On the 2nd day, the discussion on Gender Sensitivity was discussed by Atty. Allen M. Gasulas, member of the National GAD Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women. In her discussion, she was able to differentiate the concepts of gender and sex. She also mentioned that the gender of a person is influenced by factors like family, school, community and even government/office. These gender roles can be changed according to Atty. Gasulas. In fact, some were already changing like the misconception that women should stay at home and men should work and many more. Before she ended her discussion, she clarified that GAD is not anti-male and not war between sexes rather it is a recognition of the potentials of both men and women as essential partners in development.

After the lecture-discussions, a film showing was showcased by Mary Grace dela Concepcion from Erasto Films. The film was entitled "BOSES" wherein a child was physically and mentally battered by his father. The film has somehow touched and had made deep realizations on the viewers. Right after the film showing, dela Concepcion briefly discussed RA 9262 (Violence Against Women and Children). She said that a person who has been violated physically and sexually need to undergo series of counselling otherwise it will affect the victim’s emotional and mental well-being. Dela Concepcion also mentioned that the main important function of the VAWC law is to safeguard the victim from further harm, minimizing any disruption in the victim's daily life, and facilitating the opportunity and ability of the victim to independently regain control over her/his life.

At the end of the training, the participants expressed their insights regarding the three-day activity.

"As I watched the movie "Boses", I was informed on the issues related to RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). I learned that VAWC is any act of violence committed by any person against women and children. Now I am very much aware of the rights of every woman and child. I have also learned that it is important to be very vigilant in your neighborhood,” remarked Sharon Faith Gocatek, Administrative Support Staff of ATI-Caraga.

Meanwhile, Jonaid Noor, another Administrative Support Staff, expressed his insights by saying “The Training on VAWC was very informative and was able to influence the participants through the use of relevant examples. Discussions of topics from the three speakers were delivered very well and were deeply understood with the help of real life examples. By this, I have obtained a lot of new learnings that I could definitely apply in my personal life. I could also be able to share this with my colleagues which may help them in one way or another.”

The Training on VAWC was conducted last December 12-14, 2018 at the training room of Rosario’s Chinese Seafood Restaurant. It was participated in by 31 employees and staff of ATI-Caraga.