Talibon - hosted VAWC PIACAT successful

HOSTING the first out of town meeting for the council which abhor violence against women and children (VAWC) and the provincial inter-agency council on anti-trafficking (PIACAT) was not that heavy for Talibon. It was not too light either. But it was generally successful. Aiming to get immersed in the real situation of women and children in the town especially those in areas where there are ports that could be easy channels for trafficking, the group was also treated to the trademark Talibongnon hospitality. Welcoming the guests was SB Thomas Cornelio in behalf of the Mayor Juanario Item who was occupied that day. Cornelio said Talibon is glad and proud to host the meeting in Talibon as it becomes a venue for council members to see the progressive town, the only fist class municipality in Bohol .

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Godofreda Tirol, VAWC and PIACAT chairman, who was visibly elated with the reception prepared. She also bared that she admires Kagawad Virginia Item for authoring Municipal ordinances No. 153 (anti-trafficking of children) and 154 (anti-violence against women and children), a simplified copy of Republic Act No. 9208 and 9262. She said that the ordinance is first Bohol. On her part, Hon. Item was impressed with the council. With their presence, she requested the local Human Resource Management Officer Peter Polestico for a power point presentation for the visitors to see.

Hon. Tirol presided over the meeting participated in by Catherine Muga of the Children's Legal Bureau, Virginia Item, Talibon social worker Zosima Gabisan, DepEd;s Sonia Kapirig, Feed the Children's Catherin dela Calsada, DSWD's Papiasa Bustrillos, DOLE's John Paul Nistal, Sr. Diomar Lopez and Catherine from Holy Spirit WINGS-, Ezperanza Bronidor of Catholic Women's League, Marietta Latonio of DSWD R7, PO2 Melinda Basalao, Constancia Tañacao of OPSWD, Roxanne Epe of UNFPA, Carmelita Tecson (Carmen Social Welfare Officer), Carmen Evangelista, Lucila Gamay and Inocencio Damalerio.

The meeting tackled the status of women and children in the province. Each one reported observations on women and children in their towns. The top issue was seen when Sister Diomar Lopez warned people not to immediately respond to recruitment of women for nuns to Italy . She bared there are fake nun recruiters but push their recruits to sex exploitation. Moreover, DOLE's Nistal asked for vigilance while checking the legality of the recruitment agency. DepEd's Sonia Kapirig also reported that the main reason for drop outs in schools i poverty.

For the next out of town meeting, set in Carmen, the council meets this November in Carmen. At that gab, the council agreed to invite parents'-teachers' association presidents, school's principals, out of school youth president, ABC president and all SB members. As another of the day's highlights, the hosts took the visitors to the recycled items crafted by Talibon Federated Women Association Inc. From seemingly junk materials, the visitors admired at tetra pack bags, slippers, wallets, cellphone holders, hats, fans, folders, envelops, aprons. They also admired the kolo chips.

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