DILG-Kalinga rates ALL LGUs in the province as ‘Highly Functional’ in protecting women, children from violence and exploitation

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Department of Interior and Local Government rated all Kalinga LGUs with ‘Highly Functional Rating’ in the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) Assessment for Calendar Year 2024.

The LCAT-VAWC is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, the RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, and other related laws at the local level.

Said committee also institutionalizes policies and programs to protect women and children, as well as creates and establishes systems for surveillance, investigation, and rescue. Additionally, it undertakes information education and advocacy campaigns against trafficking and violence against women and children.

On August 15, the Department of Interior and Local Government Kalinga announced that hundred percent of the LCAT-VAWC in Kalinga, which includes the provincial government, the municipalities of Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tanudan, Tinglayan, and the City of Tabuk, are ‘Highly Functional’.

This means all are effectively implementing their mandate in protecting women and children from violence and trafficking.

In a statement, Kalinga Governor James Edduba lauded the efforts of all involved, saying such an accomplishment can only be achieved by various groups, adding that it also demonstrates the work ethics and values of the members of the various LCAT-VAWC committees in the province.

“Daytoy nga rating nga inted ti DILG is testament to the hard work of all government workers and their partners in the LCAT-VAWC to protect our children and women. Nu awan ti cooperation ken saan da inted ti best da, it will be difficult to attain such a rating. But I know it is not just about the rating that makes them work harder, it is more because it is part of our values and character as iKalingas to keep giving our best,” said the Governor.