Taguig to open crisis center for women, juveniles

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government will be opening a crisis center for women and juveniles to mark the worldwide observance of International Women’s Month this month.

Located in Barangay Wawa, the crisis center will be opening its doors on March 31 to the city’s women and juveniles who are victims of violence.

“This is our way of telling the whole world that in our city, any and all forms of violence, especially against women and children, will not be tolerated. Such acts will be dealt with to the full extent of the law in Taguig,” Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said.

Cayetano added that the establishment of crisis center is part of a city-wide program to aid women and children who are victims of violence.

“This kind of violence has no place in a civilized society. We in Taguig will do our part in fighting this kind of crime,” she said.

On Sunday, the local government of Taguig organized a “Walk For A Cause” to denounce all forms of violence against women and children, and to signify support for victims of the crime.

About 2,000 participants from the different sectors in the city participated in the Walk For A Cause event, which started at the DMAC Covered Court and from FTI Triumph and converged at the Taguig City University where a short program was held.

The walk and the opening of the Women and Juvenile Crisis Center are part of Taguig’s month-long celebration of International Women’s Day, which is a showcase of activities and programs that focus on two of the most important issues concerning women of today: empowerment and access to quality healthcare.

With the theme “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo Ay Tatag Natin Sa Pagbangon At Pagsulong,” the city government’s celebration started March 8 with an array of medical services offered free for women.

The City Health Office (CHO) set up booths that provided Taguig women with free bone scan procedures, pap smear, and breast examination, together with an information booth on cervical cancer for those who are seeking medical advice. On that same day, Taguig women were given a surprise treat by the local government when it offered free hair cut and massage.
 
On March 31, the Taguig City government will also be deploying a mobile interactive exhibit of outstanding women in fields dominated by men at the TCU auditorium, sponsored by the Office of Sen. Pia Cayetano, which will coincide with the "Parangal sa mga Natatanging Babae ng Taguig 2014."

“We want to make our city one of the best places for women to live in, where they are respected and empowered, where they have access to affordable and quality healthcare, and where they are considered as pillars of society,” the mayor said.