The majority of local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental are classified as “highly functional” in implementing programs and services for the welfare and empowerment of women and the protection of children.

LGUs are rated based on assessments of their organization, policies, and accomplishments in implementing Republic Act 9262 (Violence Against Women and Children Act) and Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act).

Alberta Abrio, social and focal person of the Women’s Welfare Program at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said during a forum yesterday that 22 of 25 LGUs are highly functional, two are moderately functional and one is low functional following a functionality assessment last year.

“The provincial inter-agency monitoring team of the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children was very happy with the result because out of the 25 LGUs, we garnered 22 highly-functional ELCAC-VAWCs [End Local Communist Armed Conflict – Violence Against Women and Children] councils,” Abrio said.

Highly functional means the council is actively implementing programs and services on anti-trafficking and VAWC in their localities, Abrio said.

The highly functional ELCAC-VAWC LGUs will be recognized on March 18 and will also attend a similar event in Cebu.

A capacity development training for women leaders in the 25 LGUs follows on March 24. (PNA)