The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the Mimaropa Region held its inaugural PIA Barangay Forum on Wednesday at Barangay Liwanag, Odiongan, Romblon.
The forum aims to disseminate information to the public about government programs that can assist them in their daily lives. As March is Women’s Month, the discussion at the forum centered on women’s rights.
PSMS Zeeryl Formilleza, chief of the Women and Children Protection Desk at the Odiongan Municipal Police Station, explained laws that protect women, particularly RA 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Formilleza encouraged women in Barangay Liwanag to report any instances of violence from their partners to their office or to the VAWC desk in their barangay.
Barangay Captain Luis Fabic assured residents of Barangay Liwanag that their barangay remains open to reports related to VAWC, emphasizing that barangay officials are ready to assist them.
Meanwhile, Kristian Pastrana from the Philippine Social Security System (SSS) Odiongan also attended the forum, where he shared the benefits available to female SSS members. He also encouraged attendees, mostly women, to become members of SSS.
Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic also graced the event.
