Aklan MOVE Launches Barangay VAW Handbook

Photo taken of the unveiling of the cover of the Barangay VAW Desk Handbook during the 4th MOVE  -Aklan Provincial Congress, December 7, 2012 with Malinao Mayor Wilbert Ariel Igoy of Aklan (L-R), Jones Arrieta, MOVE Aklan President, PCW Chair  Remedios Rikken,  Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Toti Uysingco, MOVE Phils. BOT, and Lynette Urquiola - DILG Aklan

The Men Opposed To Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) – Aklan chapter  held its 4th Provincial Congress on December 7, 2012 in Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Livelihood and Training Center, Buswang Old, Kalibo. They launched the country’s Barangay VAW Desk Handbook which shall guide all barangays nationwide in the operationalization of the Barangay VAW Desk. 

Hon. Remedios Rikken, PCW Chair was the Congress keynote speaker. She stressed the urgency and the role of men in the elimination of violence against women and children. She provided inputs on men and masculinity and challenged the 100 Aklanon men present to first internalize and understand themselves as MOVE members. Ms. Honey Castro, Planning Officer of the Philippine Commission on Women presented the salient features of the Barangay VAW Desk Handbook.

Governor Carlito S. Marquez of Aklan welcomed this development. He expressed his unconditional support to the projects and programs of MOVE Aklan as he presented the Governor’s Gender Awards for the Search of the Best Barangay VAW Desk in Aklan and the Most Outstanding MOVE Chapter for 2013. This is a gender affirmative action to encourage active participation among the 327 barangays in Aklan. The province of Aklan is presently implementing the National VAW Documentation System (NVAWDocs) under the PCW-AECID project.

Mr. Jones Arrieta, MOVE Aklan President reported the accomplishments of the chapter as well as other local chapter presidents from Kalibo, Malinao, Nabas, PNP and DAR Aklan.

MOVE Aklan delegates during its 4^th Provincial Congress attended by 120 participants from its seven local chapters. Keynote speaker is Hon. Remedios I. Rikken, PCW Chairperson.

The MOVE-Aklan is the premier organization of men in the province who pledged never to commit VAW, never to condone VAW and Speak out against VAW. This men’s group is in the forefront of Aklan’s celebration of the 18 Day campaign to End VAW in the locality in coordination with the Aklan Gender and Development Commission in the locality. /MP