MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is currently evaluating the effectiveness of Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act, two decades after its enactment. This comprehensive review is conducted in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC) to ensure the act remains relevant and effective in addressing the needs of its beneficiaries.
According to Philippines News Agency, this legislative measure was signed into law on March 8, 2004, by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, marking a significant step forward in the country's efforts to combat violence against women and children. The law's implementation led to the establishment of specialized institutions and programs, including Barangay VAW Desks, Women and Children Protection Desks at police stations, and Women and Children Protection Units in hospitals, alongside shelters and support services for survivors.
Over the years, various primary prevention programs and a comprehensive response system have been introduced, encompassing medical, psycho-social, and legal assistance for victims. These initiatives, supported by hotlines for immediate help, have fostered an environment where women are increasingly empowered to seek aid and report abuses.
The PCW highlighted that the ongoing assessment aims to scrutinize the execution of these measures across different levels of governance, identifying successful practices, pinpointing challenges, and extracting valuable lessons from the past two decades. This review is instrumental in shaping potential legislative amendments and refining the National Action Plan to End VAW (NAP-EVAW), particularly in strengthening prevention strategies and enhancing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Reflecting on the original advocacy and collaborative efforts that led to the act's passage, the PCW acknowledges the need for continuous evaluation to ensure the legislation adapts to changing social and economic contexts, effectively safeguarding women and children's rights against violence. The commission urges all sectors of society to unite in bolstering the framework established by the Anti-VAWC Act, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.