Siqujor guv, local officials support Magna Carta of Women

By Rizalie A. Calibo

LARENA, Siquijor, Oct. 2 (PIA) -- Siquijor provincial governor Orlando Fua Jr with mayors, barangay captains and national agencies attending the information caravan pledged support on the Magna Carta of Women. 

Gov. Fua in his welcome message said Siquijor is one in advocating for the Magna Carta of Women. 

"We, the elected officials, along with other appointed officials, are one acknowledging the contribution of every woman in community development," he said as as he advised women to stand up. 

He acknowledged that in order to progress and advance, it must not only be the men that should be reckoned with but the women, admitting that "behind every man's success is a woman." 

He vowed to comply with the mandate of allocating 5% of the provincial development fund for gender and development (GAD) programs. 

Maria town mayor Rebecca Padayhag, during the commitment setting also vowed to allocate 5 percent of the local government unit 2013 budget and implement thoroughly the Magna Carta of Women. 

She also vowed to call for enactment of GAD code in the local Sanguniang Bayan and reorganization of women councils in barangays. 

Maria Poblacion Norte barangay captain Licerio Adlao also said he will allocate 5 percent of his budget for program GAD projects and services. 

Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO) Gladys Estrellada, also GAD focal point, said she promised to reecho provisions of the Magna Carta in the municipalities especially those that were not represented in the information caravan. 

Trinidad Palmitos of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) promised to support MCW advocacy as one of the legal basis in the implementation of programs and services and continue to provide services to women especially those needing assistance or are in difficult circumstances. 

Lina Medel, also of DSWD said she will continue the info caravan and integrate in their regular conduct meetings in six MSWDs through the weekly family development sessions. 

In the Magna Carta of Women, LGUs are mandated to appropriate at least 5 percent of the total LGU budget for programs and services that respond to the distinct needs of women and men. 

It mandates all LGUs to review ordinances, policies, and programs as to their gender-responsiveness and repeal or amend those accordingly. 

LGUs are also required by law to develop a gender and development (GAD) Code and establish violence against women (VAW) desks in every barangay. 

Other salient points of the law which spell out specific roles of LGUs include protection and security in times of disasters, calamities and other crisis situations, provision of comprehensive health services, and protection of girl-children and senior citizens. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)