Capitol to resume construction of crisis center for women

CEBU, Philippines - The construction of women in crisis center in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City is set to resume after the remaining informal settler finally agreed to vacate, said Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale

Last September, the construction was allegedly stopped by an old woman who turned down the offer for a shelter in Gawad Kalinga in Minglanilla and preferred to be transferred instead to Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

Magpale said she met with the woman to talk about her transfer.

“Ni give-up na man lang ko niya (referring to the old woman). ‘Adto na lang kang Gov. (Hilario Davide III). Ingon man to si Gov nisugot na,” said Magpale, quoting what she told to the woman.

Magpale, head of the Provincial Women’s Commission, said the center will have rooms for livelihood training for women who are victims of violence and another area for their children, whom they could not leave behind.

 “Aduna’y kabutangan sa bata (but) these are women in crisis situations. Dunay mga anak nga dili kabiya-an mao nang dunay provision nga makadala sila’g bata. That is really for women victims of violence,” said Magpale.

Asked if the construction would be finished by January, Magpale said she doubts it, although she hopes to have it finished before the May election.

“December pa gud amo target ana (to be finished). Dugay kaayo, pila na ka-months,” she added.

She said that in the absence of facilities for women and children, some victims were sent to private centers.

The vice governor said more women who are victims of violence  are now coming out in the open and are now aware where to go and seek assistance.

Magpale’s office reportedly received at least 140 pending cases involving children and women, particularly cybercrime victims. — (FREEMAN)