‘Barangay VAWC desks functional’

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March 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — To strengthen frontline protection for women and children, over 40,800 desks handling cases involving violence against women and children (VAWC) are now functional in barangays nationwide, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The DILG said the figure represents 97 percent of barangays in the country that have established VAWC desks where women and children may report abuses and violence committed against them.

The VAWC desks are being assessed using functionality indicators under the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays.

These indicators include presence of trained desk officers, accessibility of services for victims and survivors, and effective coordination and referral mechanisms.

Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004, and RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act mandate barangay officials to establish desks that will serve as first responders in cases involving abuse and gender-based sexual harassment.

The VAWC desk is tasked to document cases, facilitate referrals to health, legal and psychosocial services, and support issuance of barangay protection orders when necessary, the DILG said.

The agency said that VAWC desks ensure that barangay level mechanisms are present, functional and capable of providing immediate assistance.

Desk officers will undergo training on gender sensitivity and will be oriented  on anti-VAWC laws, the DILG said.

The agency urged victims to seek help through the desks or call Unified 911 System for assistance.