09/09/2026
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), through the Women and Family Program, in collaboration with the City Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (CCAT-VAWC), successfully conducted the CCAT-VAWC Capacity Development Training and Workshop with a theme: "Strengthening Frontline Action: Building a Unified, Empowered, and Gender-Responsive CCAT-VAWC for Safer Communities", on September 7โ9, 2026, at the City Health Department Conference Room, Catbalogan City.
On September 7, 2026, the newly assigned CLGOO VI, Ms. Ma. Vanessa C. Borja, from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), discussed the Overview of the Activity and the Functionality of the CCAT-VAWC. During the afternoon session, Prosecutor Kathrina R. Castillo from the City Prosecutorโs Office discussed the Institutionalization of the VAW Referral System and the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). Lastly, Mr. Micah Premne G. Amable, RSW, from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII (DSWD FO VIII), discussed the Salient Features and Provisions of Republic Act No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004.
On September 8, 2026, Mr. Amable discussed Republic Act No. 11930, otherwise known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act. He also facilitated Gender Sensitivity Modules 1 and 2, which focused on the basic concepts and principles of gender sensitivity.
On September 9, 2026, Mr. Amable continued the discussion on Gender Sensitivity Modules 3 and 4, further enhancing the participantsโ understanding of gender-related concepts and the importance of applying gender-responsive approaches in their respective roles and responsibilities.
The City Government of Catbalogan, through the CCAT-VAWC, continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening the functionality of the Committee and ensuring a coordinated and responsive approach to addressing issues of trafficking, violence against women and their children, and other forms of abuse. Through the active participation and collaboration of its member agencies and stakeholders, the City remains dedicated to promoting the protection, safety, rights, and overall well-being of women and their children. The capacity development activity further strengthened the commitment of the CCAT-VAWC to provide timely, accessible, and gender-responsive services and to continuously improve its programs and interventions for the welfare and protection of women and children in Catbalogan City.
