by Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star ) – 28 Nov 2020
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday opened a shelter for survivors of gender-based violence, particularly women, children and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Mayor Joy Belmonte led the opening of Bahay Kanlungan, which served as the highlight of the city’s commemoration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.
“Our protection center offers different types of support for them, including medical assistance, legal assistance and counseling. But where will they go if they feel that they are not safe in their own homes? That is the objective of Bahay Kanlungan,” she said in Filipino.
The newly opened shelter has 60 beds dedicated to women, children and LGBT survivors of abuse and other forms of violence.
It also has an activity area, reading hub and playing room for kids, as well as WiFi and a learning area for those who need to attend online classes.
A livelihood training center will also be established to provide further assistance to those who will stay at the shelter.
According to the city government, survivors may stay at the shelter for up to 12 weeks, depending on the referral of the Quezon City Protection Center.
Belmonte noted that significance of having such as shelter during the current pandemic, citing the reported increase in cases of domestic violence as more people are confined on their homes.
“Since they have limited income sources due to the pandemic, they are forced to stay at home and put up with the pain inflicted by their partners,” added the mayor.
Belmonte said the city government has strengthened its Helpline 122 and trained operators to handle and process concerns regarding violence against women and children.
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
