Republic of the Philippines

Province of Zamboanga del Norte

Municipality of Piñan

OFFICE OF THE PUNONG BARANGAY

Executive Order No. ____________

Series of 2014

AN ORDER ESTABLISHING A VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN (VAWC) DESK IN
BARANGAY _________________________________, DEFINING THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE BARANGAY OFFICIALS IN RELATION TO REPUBLIC ACT 9262 ON THE ANTI-VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN LAW AND DESIGNATING VAWC DESK OFFICER

WHEREAS, Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women is a
comprehensive women’s human rights law that “seeks to eliminate the discrimination against
women by recognizing, protection, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women,
especially those in the marginalized sector;

WHEREAS, Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-02 dated December 9, 2010 signed by the
Department of the Interior and Local Government, Social Welfare and Development, Health,
Education and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) stipulates for the establishment of
VAWC Desk in every barangay within their jurisdiction;

WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Barangay recognizes the state’s policy that values the
dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights, including the
recognition of the need for the state, through its barangays, to protect the family and its
members, particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety
and security;

WHEREAS, to this end and in accordance with RA 9262 on the Anti-Violence Against
Women and their Children Law of 2004 and other applicable laws and ordinances, the State,
through its barangays, shall exert efforts to address violence committed against women and
thier children in keeping with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution
and ther human rights instruments.

Now therefore, I ______________________________ Punong Barangay of

___________________________ , Pinan, Zamboanga del Norte, by virtue of the powers vested
upon me by law, do hereby order, the establishment of VAWC Desk and designating VAWC
Desk Officer taking into consideration JMC 2010-02, to wit:

Section 1. Setting up the VAWC Desk

The punong barangay shall designate an area within the barangay hall for the VAWC
desk. S/he shall provide for the necessary furniture and fixtures such as, but not limited to,
table, chairs, separate filing cabinet and log book for record-keeping of cases. Likewise, the
punong barangay shall ensure the confidentiality of the case and privicy and safety of the
victim-survivor.
Section 2. Designation of VAWC Desk Officer

_______________________________________ is hereby designated as VAWC desk

officer as per provision of the law that thepunong barangay shall designate a VAWC Desk
Officer who is trained in gender-sensitive in handling cases; preferrably a woman barangay
kagawad or a woman barangay tanod. In cases where there are no trained personnel, ensure

that the person assigned shall undergo basic gender sensitivity training and orientation on anti-
VAWC laws.

Section 3. Functions of the Barangay VAWC Desk Officer

The VAWC Desk Officer shall perform the following tasks;

a. Respond to gender-based violent cases brought to the barangay;

b. Record the number of gender-based violence handled by the barangay and submit a
quarterly report on all cases of VAWC to the MLGOO and to the Municipal Social
Welfare Development Office (MSWDO);
c. Keep VAWC cases/records confidential and secured and ensure that only authorized
personnel can access it;
d. Assist victims of VAWC in securing Barangay Protection Order (BPO) and access
necessary services;
e. Develop the barangay’s gender-responsive plan in addressing gender-based violence,
including support services, capacity building and referral system;
f. Coordinate with and refer cases to government agencies, non-government organization
(NGOs), institutions, and other service providers as necessary;
g. Address other forms of abuse committed against women, especially senior citizens,
women with disabilitiess and other marginalized groups.
h. Lead advocacies on the elimination of VAWC in the community; and
i. Perform other related functions as may be assigned.

Section 4. Protocol in Handling VAWC Cases at the barangay level

The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act (RA 9262) mandates
the punong barangay or in his/her absence the barangay kagawad concerned or on duly to take
immediate action upon being informed of a violent-incident and is mandated to issue a
Barangay Protection Order (BPO) on the date of filing after ex-parte determination on the basis
of the application. Please note that all forms of amicable settlement under the Katarungang
Pambarangay such as mediation, settlement, conciliation, arbitration shall not apply to cases of
VAWC.

The following protocol shall be observed by the Barangay VAWC Desk Officer when
responding to VAWC situations.

1. A VAWC (RA 9262) victim-survivor is accompanied by someone to the barangay or the

victim herself goes to the barangay.
2. Make the woman (and children, if applicable) comfortable in a safe and private room
giving her water and other immediate needs, if any.
 3. Assess the situation and get initial information to determine the risks on hand and if
immediate medical attention is needed. If so, facilitate referral to the nearest medical
facility.
4. After the victim-survivor has stabilized, assist the punong barangay/kagawad in the
conduct of an investigation in a gender sensitive and non-judgemental manner, in a
language understood by her.
5. Inform her of her rights and the remedies available and the processes involved
particularly in relation to the BPO. Assist her to file application, if she decides to have a
BPO.
6. Record the incident using the National VAWC Documentation System barangay form.
7. If victim-survivor desires to be in a safe shelter, seek the assistance of the barangay
officials, barangay tanod or the police in geting her belongings and refer to a
shelter/women’s center or to the MSWDO.
8. Assist the victim-survivor to file for a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or Permanent
Protection Order (PPO) with the nearest Family Court within 24 hours after issuance of
the BPO, if thevictim-survivor so desire or if she applies directly for a TPO/PPO instead
of a BPO.
9. Report the incident within four hours to the PNP and the MSWDO.

A victim-survivor of VAWC is reported by a community leader.

1. Verify the information and if needed, seek asstance from the PNP
2. Assess the situation and facilitate the rescue of the victim-survivor when necessary to
esnure her safety, and when applicable, the safety of her children;
3. Inform the victim-survivor about her rights and remedies available particularly the BPO
and its processess. Assist her to apply for a BPO, if she so desires;
4. Refer victim-survivor for medical care and temporary shelter and other needs when
needed based on the assessment done;
5. Record the indicent using the National VAW Documentation System barangay form.
If not done earlier, report the incident within four hours to the PNP and the MSWDO;
6. For rape, trafficking in persons and other cases which do not fall under the jurisdiction of
the barangay, assist the victim-survivor to file a complaint at the PNP Women and Children
Protection Center or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Section 5. Funding

The cost of the establishment and operations of the VAWC Desk shall be charged under
the BGU’s Gender and Development (GAD) budget. As such, if shall be included in the
annual GAD Plans and Programs of the BGU.

Section 6. Effectivity

This Executive Order takes effect immediately. Any existing order found inconsistent
thereto shall be deemed repealed or modified.

Done this day ____ of ___________________, 2014 in Barangay

____________________, municipality of Pinan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.

____________________________________
Punong Barangay