House, QC, IBP sign MOU to help victims of gender-based violence

The House of Representatives, the Quezon City local government, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide legal, psychological, and shelter assistance to victims of gender-based violence among House employees and their loved ones.

Under the MOU, the House will provide its employees and their children who are victims of gender-based violence safe and supportive work environment and culture, access to hotlines and other crisis resources, psychological and psychiatric counseling and therapy, along with medical and healthcare services, among others. 

The IBP QC-Chapter will take care of the necessary legal assistance while the QC Protection Center will provide safe and secure emergency shelter services as well as programs for the healing, recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the victims. 

Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, wife of Speaker Martin Romualdez,  thanked the House's partners for the initiative.

“I am very much honored to be a part of this MOU to provide comprehensive and holistic support to House employees who are victims or survivors of gender-based violence,” Yedda said.

“It fills me with pride to be a part of an institution that values the welfare of its employees and ensures that they receive the best care and support when they need it the most,” she added. 

Yedda said the MOU would create a powerful network that would provide timely intervention for House employees and their children who have suffered or are still suffering from the effects of violence and abuse. 

She also acknowledged the key people who worked to forge the tripartite agreement, including BHW Party List Rep. Angelica Co, Chairperson of the Committee on Welfare of Children; Laguna 1st District Rep. Lourdes Matibag, Senior Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality; Quezon City Councilor Eleanor “Doc Ellie” Juan, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, Atty. Annalou Nachura, Deputy Secretary General of the House Legal Affairs Department; Atty. Michael Atanante, President of the IBP QC Chapter; and Atty. Melissa Encanto-Tagarda, incoming President of IBP-QC.

“Today’s ceremonial signing stands as another clear statement that the House of Representatives does not only talk and make policy – we also walk the talk, and act as needed, always in the best interests of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said in his message.

“Let me assure everyone now. So long as I am Speaker, the House of Representatives shall remain a safe workspace for everyone. Let us be active partners in bringing about a society where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, has equality, security, and safety not only in private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, in workplaces, and in educational and training institutions, and in all areas of human interaction,” he added. —NB, GMA Integrated News