BY ROBERT NIETES, University of Antique Intern
NEW LUCENA, Iloilo — The Department of Social Welfare and Development has opened a new Regional Center for Women (RCW) here aimed at supporting women survivors of violence and abuse in Western Visayas.
Inaugurated on March 28 as part of the agency’s 74th founding anniversary, the center will provide shelter, essential services, and rehabilitation for women aged 18 and above who have experienced abuse.
DSWD Region 6 said the RCW seeks to create a safe environment for recovery and empowerment of victim-survivors.
According to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Police Regional Office 6, 127 cases of violence against women have already been recorded in Western Visayas this year.
Local government officials led by New Lucena Mayor Liecel Seville expressed their gratitude for the establishment of the center, which complements existing DSWD-managed facilities such as the Home for Girls and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.
The center’s inauguration was attended by key DSWD officials, including Regional Director Arwin Razo, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director for Operations Katherine Joy Lamprea, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Joselito Estember, and Director IV Rowela F. Hizon of the Program Management Bureau’s Center Development Division.
Representatives from partner institutions such as Ricco Joseph C. Seville of New Lucena Polytechnic College, Leone H. Guevarra of the Department of Education – New Lucena, and Joemil Dato-on of Dingle Family Farm School were also present./PN