Ombudsman opens gender info desk in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, July 19 (PNA) -– The Office of the Ombudsman field office here has opened the Gender Information Desk on Tuesday to respond to gender matters involving government officials.

Paul Elmer Clemente, deputy ombudsman for the Visayas led the opening of the desk housed within the Ombudsman Eastern Visayas regional office in Marababaras district, this city.

“The launching of this desk is an affirmation of our commitment as the protector of women and children against tyrannical and despotic practices of public officials or personnel,” Clemente said.

The official stressed that a violent lawless act by a public official against women and children has no place in a civilized society.

“With this desk, we hope to be a partner in nation-building by building bridges with the disadvantaged women and children; with the vulnerable sectors of the society who need special protection from those in the public sector who unjustly perpetuate the patriarchal culture,” Clemente explained.

Assistant Ombudsman Jennifer Jardin Manalili, chairperson of the gender and development executive committee said the desk will serve as a venue for victims to air their concerns on discrimination, sexual harassment, violence against women and children and other related topics.

Likewise, it will explore the setting up of data collection and case management systems to monitor information on the incidence, types and patterns of gender-based violence and the processing of reported cases.

“The launching in Tacloban is very significant. Communities which have encountered disasters have lots of effects on the people around such as dislocation of families and damaged houses. These are implication that has impact on gender,” Manalili said.

The setting up of gender information desk is being supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Justice, and Tacloban city government. (PNA)

PGL/SARWELL Q. MENIANO