TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN MOVE, AKLAN

  Editorial   

  By Ernesto T. Solidum

The weekly Kapihan at NVC Carmen Hotel on November 21, 2015 discussed the topic, “International Men’s Day” celebration. The guests are all from Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Children Everywhere (MOVE), Aklan namely: Franklin Quimpo-founding president, Ameliti-Mutuc Farales, and Paul Abriam Pelayo. 

Mr. Quimpo said that MOVE, Aklan  is currently celebrating its 16th year when the International Men’s Day was founded.  The observance falls on November 19 and celebrated in 60 countries worldwide. The theme this year’s celebration is: “Make a Difference for Men and Boys”. The concept and advocacy are very similar to MOVE, Aklan like promoting gender equality, positive role model of men in family and community.  We will have a commemorative program on Wednesday, November 25, at 8:00 o’clock in the morning to be held at the Provincial Capitol grounds where participants will wear orange uniform, a UN color to symbolize termination of violence against women and children, Franklin Quimpo stressed.

MOVE, Aklan is now on its 8th year since its registration in 2007 averred Mr. Farales. The legal basis is RA 9262 or Anti-violence against Women and Children Act which is also the foundation of Gender Advocacy for Development (GAD). This convergence is jointly celebrated annually from November 25 to December 18. We have community-based chapters in Kalibo, Malinao, Nabas as well as government-based officers as provincial government, PNP and DILG. Our active membership has reached 600 Nation-wide.

Those who volunteer to join must be of legal age, persons of strong moral conviction willing to use his talents and energy toward uplifting the status of women and children, and determined to renounce all forms of violence such as physical, financial and emotional. Recently, we were invited to launch MOVE, Capiz chapter and organize NVC MOVE, Juniors.

We acknowledged the able leadership of our Honorary Chairman Gov. Joeben T. Miraflores who is providing regularly 5 percent annual subsidy to program and projects of MOVE, Aklan and GAD that resulted to winning national recognition for MOVE, Aklan as an outstanding NGO last year and License hub, confided the Chief, Human Resource Management of DAR.

Mr. Pelayo stated that the logic of using men to convince other men of MOVE’s advocacy is plain and simple. One cannot be irked or displeased when men talk it out between and among themselves than women. The machochismo or false chivalry is too powerful to be ignored. In this way by ruffling no feathers we win more converts to our cause.

Our 6th Congress had two approved Resolutions: a) commending the DILG for recognizing all MOVE, Aklan chapters, and b) Civil Service Commission (CSC) for enjoining all government employees and their families to support the nation-wide campaign to end violence, Mr. Pelayo concluded.

Move, Aklan is basically a referral organization working in coordination with appropriate government agencies like PNP, DOJ-Prosecutors’ Office, DENR, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and DSWD. Its army of young volunteers though dedicated and capable could hardly make a dent in the wave of violence committed in our midset. The PNP crime statistics has this latest data: 1.9 million loose firearms in the country, 145 robberies everyday, 457 victimized by thieves, 28 women being raped everyday and 27 killings every day. Ironically, we have 9 laws covering the protection and welfare of women and children against all forms of violence. Yet the statutes are not properly enforced by authorities.

It appears that MOVE, Aklan has not benefitted so much from holding annual congresses. Invited speakers from coordinating agencies such as PNP, DOJ and DSWD usually report on current problems related to crimes against women and children and their corporate action. Data presented could be prepared that will include: Program, activities, description, objective(s), person or agency responsible, time frame and budget. These documents must be presented during executive meetings called for the purpose and approved for implementation. It must be remembered that an organization though non- profits must be transparent and accountable.

Confirmed reports show that 1st class municipalities like Kalibo and Malay lead in the number of crimes perpetuated against women and children. Obviously,the tourism boom and the  preponderance of beer joints, pub, bar, videoke bar, disco bar, saloon bar and massage parlors especially in Boracay are mainly responsible for crimes upsurge. This knowledge can be a tool to design the best strategy to minimize if not totally prevent crimes against the fair sex and children./MP