Army joins the celebration of International Women’s Day Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz – As the rest of the world celebrates today March 8 the International Women’s Day, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division here in Western Visayas joins in the celebration by giving extra attention to the needs of women. In line with the Philippine Army’s Campaign to End Violence against Women, the 3ID launched a Symposium to End Violence against Women Campaign last February 10 and 13, 2014, at the headquarters in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz. A total of 138 personnel composed of officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees participated in the symposium. The activity aimed to emphasize the importance of having a functional mechanism that is operated by competent and capable duty-bearers of the fundamental principles of gender-based violence and the provisions of violence against women and children (VAWC) laws. Atty. Jhonnie Dabuco of the Commission on Human Rights-Region 6 was one of the guest lecturers who discussed about the Republic Act 8353 known as the “Anti-Rape Law” and Republic Act 9208 on “Anti-trafficking in Person Act”. Atty Dabuco gave emphasis on how and when rape is committed by a person and what are the corresponding penalties for the offenses. Cpt Garysande Mamaludin, the Division Provost Marshall also lectured on Republic Act 9262 and stressed on the forms of violence against women, the penalties, and special protection of children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination (RA 7610). “It is the duty of the 3ID leadership to ensure the welfare of our female personnel both military and civilian and to emphasize to them their equal opportunity with their male counterparts. Likewise, we also continue to inspire and empower them to participate in decision-making, peace-building and governance,” Major General Aurelio Baladad, Commander of 3ID said in a statement. The Army also echoes the call of the United Nations for today’s celebration - “Equality for women is progress for all”. 3ID gives due attention to Women and Children survivors of Yolanda. Meanwhile, considering the vulnerability of women and children after Yolanda left sever damage in the region, the 3ID continues to partner with both local and international aid organizations in reaching out and bringing the needed medical and relief services to the remote villages heavily affected by Yolanda. Last November 2013 after Yolanda left the region with heavy damage on properties, shelter and livelihood, the 3ID through the Incident Command System under the leadership of MGen Baladad, partnered with the different International aid organizations and provided life-saving supplies primarily to women and children as well as materials for shelter in the remote villages of Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan provinces. Among these organizations are the International Student Organization (ISO), Project HOPE-USA, Operation Blessing-International and the Provincial Relief Aid for Yolanda (PRAY) that continue to cater to the needs of Yolanda survivors especially women and children. Yesterday, the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company of 3ID together with Operation Blessing-International went to the remote coastal villages of Capiz and Aklan via UH1H helicopter of the Philippine Airforce and conducted survey for the installation of water purification for the populace. Baladad added that “We will continue with this collaborative effort together with the local government units, other government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure that necessary services reach the remote areas especially the less privileged, and look into the well-being of women and children. Let us deal this challenge by working together in the spirit of Bayanihan as one community for the benefit of Yolanda survivors.”
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 04:48:51 +0000
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