The Provincial Government of Iloilo convened the joint 4th Quarter Meeting for 2025 of the Provincial Council Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PCAT-VAWC) and the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) on November 17, 2025, at Gold berry Lite Hotel, Iloilo City.
The joint session, which brought together key provincial stakeholders and partner agencies, focused on strengthening coordination, policy development, and program enhancement for the protection of women and children across Iloilo’s local government units.
Iloilo Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque presided over the morning session of the meeting. Later in the day, Acting PSWDO Chief Rani Melvi Cuarte was designated as the temporary presiding officer.
During the meeting, Hazel Mae G. Opren, Social Welfare Officer I of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (OPSWDO), presented the proposed adoption of a Unified VAWC Case-Handling Module for implementation across all municipalities in the province.
Opren also shared updates regarding the Technical Working Group’s recommendation to designate KALIPI members as Barangay VAW Desk Officers, a proposal aimed at enhancing grassroots-level responsiveness to VAWC cases.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nove Oracion, Local Legislative Staff Officer V, presented the update draft of the Iloilo Provincial Local Code for Children, outlining strengthened provisions for child rights, protection mechanisms, and local policy alignment with national standards.
Mira Armada, Social Welfare Officer of the OPSWDO, discussed the salient features of Republic Act No. 12199, the law that further strengthens the country’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) system and highlights expanded support for the holistic development of young children.
A meaningful highlight of the gathering was the recitation of the Panatang Makabta, where PCAT-VAWC and PCPC members affirmed their pledge to promote, protect, and uphold the rights and welfare of all children in the province of Iloilo.
The joint council meeting underscores the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to advancing child protection, preventing violence, and promoting safe and nurturing communities for women, children and families across Iloilo.