Students in Criminology from Benguet State University–Buguias Campus formally turned over their research project proposal titled “Lived Experiences of Social Workers Overseeing VAWC Cases in Itogon, Benguet” to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Itogon.
The study was presented to Mayor Bernard S. Waclin and received by his Secretary, Jemima P. Waclin, together with Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Department Head Atty. Johnny L. Bumakil and Municipal Librarian Mariedone D. Mismisin-Feliciano.
The study was conducted by Maricel Camilo, Albert Chorhangon, Jacob Tyler Ciano, Venus Opiles, Jonnel Tomolnoc, and Jesvir John Wallace. It focuses on the lived experiences of social workers handling Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) cases in Itogon, particularly those assigned to the MSWD Department.
According to one of the researchers, data gathered from the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), showed that Itogon ranked among the top two municipalities in Benguet in terms of recorded VAWC cases. This finding served as one of the bases for the researchers in pursuing the study.
Atty. Bumakil commends the researchers, stating that their study provides the context on the experiences of the said social workers. “Social work as a profession does not only provide material aid during disaster response operations but social work as a noble profession provides guidance and assistance to women and children who are victims of difficult circumstances,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the study’s recommendations, results, and findings, which may serve as a reference in strengthening programs and exploring further measures to promote the welfare and interests of social workers handling court-related cases, particularly VAWC cases, in Itogon.
This study shed light to the difficulties of the social workers handling the VAWC cases. It also gave ideas on taking considerations in the possible effects of the work to the associated personnel. // Capsula, Padcayan; GIP
