Misamis Occidental launches initiative for protection, empowerment of women and children

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL - Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. seeks to curb violence against women and children in Misamis Occidental in the latest initiative launched by the provincial government.

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. (center) at the launching of “GOV Motabang,” the provincial government’s latest initiative for the protection and empowerment of women and children.

The Governor Opposed to Violence Misamis Occidental — Tabang Alang sa Babaye ug Bata Nga Ge-Abusuhan (GOV Motabang) was launched by Oaminal to empower women and children, while ensuring their safety and welfare. 

“GOV Motabang will also strive to amplify their voices in decision-making processes to help them spark positive change in their lives,” Oaminal noted 

To achieve this goal, the province divided the initiative into four phases, with each phase having a specific focus. 

In the first phase, the provincial government will strengthen the accessibility of its anti-violence against women and children (VAWC) helpline, through public education and information dissemination across Misamis Occidental’s schools and barangays. 

The objective of GOV Motabang’s first phase is to ensure that “individuals facing abuse are empowered to seek assistance promptly,” said Oaminal, “and to act as a deterrent for potential abusers who target women and children.” 

The second phase of the program focuses on economic empowerment through education, with the support of national government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology and the Public Employment Service Office facilitating the growth of various job and business opportunities tailored for women. 

Through this measure, GOV Motabang can equip women with economic independence, and promote their involvement in their own families’ decision-making. 

In the third phase of the program, women will be provided with training sessions on livelihood skills, including proposal preparation, with the goal to equip them with the necessary tools to develop viable business proposals and enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities. 

Finally, in the fourth and final phase, the government will fund approved livelihood proposals, providing the necessary resources for women to turn their business ideas into reality. 

“The different phases of our initiatives go hand-in-hand in providing the women of our province with financial independence and empowerment,” Oaminal explained. 

“We’re strong believers in the notion that these are critical aspects in ensuring that no woman and her child would endure abuse,” he added, noting that a majority of VAWC cases come from victims who tolerate domestic abuse out of fear of impoverishment, stemming from their lack of economic opportunities. 

Through these efforts and with the continued coordination of the various stakeholders involved, Oaminal shared his confidence that a more inclusive, equitable, and just society can foster in Misamis Occidental, where every woman and child can thrive. 

The governor further emphasized that the provincial government will continue to strengthen their public services catered to women, in recognition of the pivotal role they play within their families and their own communities. 

“I implore the agencies concerned, local and national, to collaborate with enthusiasm for GOV Motabang,” Oaminal continued. “Let’s do it to realize our 5Ms [Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon] vision, and the future of our province.” 

Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon, or Misamisnon live peacefully, productively, and happily (5Ms) is the provincial government’s thrust led by Oaminal as a roadmap for local development projects. (Mindanao Examiner)