APRIL FULL OF GAD-RELATED ACTIVITIES
APRIL 6 – Setting Benchmarks with GMEF
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) participated in the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) Baselining Workshop conducted by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on April 6 at Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central. The activity gathered Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons, planners, and stakeholders from various agencies to establish baseline data and strengthen understanding of GMEF indicators and validation processes.
PCW OIC Deputy Director for Management Services Macario Jusayan opened the event by reframing the GMEF. Rather than just a compliance requirement, he described it as an essential mirror for agencies to evaluate their genuine progress and identify specific areas for growth. The four key entry points in assessing gender mainstreaming initiatives: People, Policy, Enabling Mechanisms, and Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) were also highlighted in the workshop.
During the workshop, participants from National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) engaged with PCW evaluators in validating their gender mainstreaming implementation, enabling agencies to assess their current level of progress and identify areas for improvement. For CWC, upon verification of the evaluators, the results showed that its level of entry is installation of strategic mechanisms. However, should the required complete MOVs be provided the level entry point will likely be moved to “GAD Application”.
APRIL 14-16- Stakeholders Convene to Validate National GBV Data Standards
Government representatives and stakeholders gathered at the Astoria Plaza Hotel from 14–16 April 2026 for a three-day Validation and Strategic Planning Workshop for the National Standards and Guidelines for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Data Systems and Ethical Data Management.
The workshop aimed to improve the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Information Management System (IMS) and strengthen coordination among agencies handling VAWC cases. On the first day, participants recognized that despite existing laws and programs, survivors still face gaps in coordinated support. They noted that fragmented systems across agencies often lead to duplicated reports, inconsistent records, and situations where survivors are required to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences.
Throughout the discussions, participants stressed that improving data systems is not simply a technical concern but a matter of protecting people. Conversations centered on how agencies can responsibly collect, share, and manage information while safeguarding the dignity, privacy, and safety of survivors.
The sessions highlighted the importance of harmonizing data collection processes and strengthening referral systems among local government units, social welfare offices, health service providers, law enforcement agencies, and other duty bearers. Participants also discussed the need to update existing tools and definitions to better reflect current realities, including emerging forms of online and technology-facilitated abuse.
On the second day, participants worked on identifying minimum standards for VAWC case management and data management. Discussions emphasized survivor-centered approaches, confidentiality, proper documentation, secure data handling, and the importance of functional VAW Desks capable of providing immediate assistance and referrals.
Participants likewise examined the proposed features and workflows of the VAWC-IMS, including case tracking, referrals, monitoring mechanisms, and role-based access to information. Group workshops allowed participants to raise operational concerns and recommend practical improvements to ensure that the system will remain responsive to both frontline workers and survivors.During the commitment-setting session, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) committed to support the development and review of tools for the VAWC Data Sharing Protocol. The CWC Policy, Planning, and Research Division (PPRD) representatives also committed to coordinate with the CWC Project Management Office (PMO) in strengthening advocacy through the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 and improving intake forms to determine whether cases have already been reported to other agencies or service providers. The CWC-PPRD further recommended that future VAWC-IMS trainings and workshops include representatives from the PMO, given their direct role in handling VAWC-related concerns through the MAKABATA Helpline 1383.
The three-day workshop, supported by UNFPA in collaboration with DSWD and PCW,underscored the importance of building systems that are not only efficient and interoperable, but also compassionate and survivor-focused. Participants emphasized that behind every report and data entry is a person seeking protection, support, and justice.
APRIL 26 – Partnerships for Protection: Metro Manila Convenes for VAW Referral Network
On 21 April 2026, VAW Referral Network (VRN key institutional stakeholders were convened at the Luxent Hotel to discuss the establishment of the Metro Manila Violence Against Women (VAW) Referral Network. The initiative harmonizes fragmented services to secure timely, survivor-centered assistance for women experiencing abuse, including technology-facilitated violence.
Prior to discussing the VRN, some major issues were raised:
- Philippine National Police (PNP) logs confirm that violations under Republic Act No. 9262 remain the country’s most reported domestic crimes.
- On the Delayed Intervention, the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data reveals that survivors consistently delay seeking aid until abuse becomes severe or they face sudden financial abandonment.
- The “Pasa-Pasa” Bottleneck, which was repeatedly cited by the member agencies, shows that fragmented agency operations currently force victims into repeated referrals and duplicate procedures without clear case ownership, causing many to abandon their legal cases.
However, the City of Muntinlupa stood out during the meeting as a beacon of functional governance. Celebrated globally for its “Safer Muntinlupa” blueprint, the city successfully protects victims by utilizing centralized intake pathways, up-to-date service mapping, and structured case logs that eliminate arbitrary re-referrals.
Based on the issues and challenges raised during the discussion, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Enhance inter-agency coordination to promote a more integrated and seamless delivery of services for VAW victim-survivors.
- Establish and institutionalize a robust monitoring and referral tracking system to ensure continuity of care and accountability among service providers.
- Clarify and delineate the roles and responsibilities of concerned agencies to minimize duplication and avoid unnecessary referrals (“pasa-pasa”).
- Strengthen information and awareness efforts—not only on VAW, but also on available services and clear pathways for accessing assistance.
- Ensure strategic and needs-based allocation of resources to areas and cases with the highest demand.
- Document and replicate effective local practices, such as the coordinated referral system implemented in Muntinlupa City, to improve service delivery across other LGUs.
The meeting concluded with a shared agreement on the next steps. These include finalizing the roadmap for establishing the VAW Referral Network in Metro Manila, piloting the system, and ensuring that it is strategic, scalable, and grounded in evidence. The ultimate goal is to develop a model referral system that strengthens coordination, addresses service gaps, and delivers comprehensive, survivor-centered care. A workshop on the Development of Operational Guidelines and Protocols of VRN is scheduled on June 17-18,2026 as part of the VRN workplan.