Programs prepared for rape case prevention

Appalled with the increased number of rape incidents in the city, Mayor Benjamin Magalong directed concerned agencies to immediately work out programs for its control and prevention.

In a meeting Wednesday afternoon with representatives from the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Health Services Office (HSO), and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO); the mayor asked that steps be done outright.

CSWDO head Liza Bulayungan intimated that their office extends psycho-social support, to rape victims including their families. Incest and rape cases are also investigated by the BCPO with cases filed against perpetrators.

According to Dr. Maria Loudes Pakoy, the HSO is spearheading an evaluation for implementation in city public primary and secondary schools as part of the national program Health and Home, Education, Drugs and Depression, Suicide and safety (HEADDS).  The program to start this June utilizes an assessment tool to determine mental health and risks, to pupils and students, and to others.  

Programs in responsible parenthood are also eyed for implementation, as with trainings for barangay officials in handling said cases.

The following were agreed on, with the CSWDO taking lead:

• Trainings and capacitation of 100 HEADDS counselors from the schools, BCPO, HSO, CSWDO and probable implementors from the Civic-Social Organizations to start immediately. As this is an initial action, primary and secondary teachers are future trainings target for HEADDS;  

• Lecture-Programs on “Safe Touch, Good Touch,” in schools to be done by concerned authorities;  

• Regular collaboration meetings shall be conducted;

• Campaign materials for child abuse/rape shall be shared; as with blogging /Social Media applications for teen-agers’ information, participation and engagement regarding molestation, abuse or rape;

• Child protection programs shall be implemented, designed from each department, to prevent child abuse cases.

Data on for the past years are: 68 rape cases reported to the BCPO in January to December 2019; 45 cases in Jan to Dec. 2020; 64 in Jan. to Dec. 2021; 44 in Jan. to Dec. 2022; and 9 in Jan. to April 2023. – JGFianza