Implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (Ra 9262)

The law RA 9262 otherwise known as Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 has been passed for almost a decade. The primary purpose is to value the dignity of women and children and to guarantee full respect for human rights. Furthermore, it intended to assess the implementation of RA 9262 of Barangay Officials along the Operational Procedure in handling VAWC cases, Elimination of Anti-Violence against Women and their Children, Issuance of BPO’s, Confidentiality and Violation of a Barangay Protection Order. The researcher utilized the descriptive method, Frequency count, and percentage is used to determine the profile of the respondents. The mean rating is used to determine the extent of implementation. Simple Linear Correlation Analysis is used to determine the relationship between the perceived extent of implementation and the profile of the respondents. The findings of the study on the profile of respondents were great majority of the respondents are married, male, and has been in the service for 0 – 1 year. Half of the respondents are college graduates, belong to the age bracket of 36 – 40 years and are barangay kagawad. Results revealed that the extent of implementation on the duties and functions of barangay officials is “Implemented”. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and their perception on the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262. This is observed on civil status (r = .142) which is significant at .05 probability level and position (r = .206) which is significant at .01 probability level. Recommendations to improve the implementation of RA 9262 are the following:


Introduction
Women and children are particularly susceptible to victimization as they have fewer rights or lack appro-priate means for protection.They, as one of the vulnerable sectors in the community, need to be protected from any forms of violence and threats for their safety.The Secretary-General of Inter-Agency Video-conference for a World Free of Violence Against Women Kofi Annan states that "Violence against Women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation.It knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or wealth.As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality development, and peace".Despite many enactments of different international conventions and passed laws to protect women and children still, there is evidence of abuse being recorded.A 2013 analysis conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Medical Research Council, based on existing data from over 80 countries, found that worldwide, almost one-third (30%) of all women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.The prevalence estimates range from 23.2% in high-income countries and 24.6% in the Western Pacific region to 37% in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and 37.7% in the South-East Asia region.Furthermore, globally as many as 38% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners.In addition to intimate partner violence, globally 7% of women reported having been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner, although data for this is more limited.Intimate partner and sexual violence are mostly perpetrated by men against women.Child sexual abuse affects both boys and girls.International studies reveal that approximately 20% of women and 5-10% of men report being victims of sexual violence as children.Violence among young people, including dating violence, is also a major problem.(WHO) Based on the preliminary findings of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), one in four (26%) ever-married women aged 15-49 has ever experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence by their husband or partner.One in five (20%) women has experienced emotional violence, 14 percent has experienced physical violence, and 5 percent has ever experienced sexual violence by their current or most recent husband or partner.In the Philippines, the extent of VAWC can be gleaned from the varying trends in the number of general violence against women (VAW) cases from different government agencies.The number of VAW cases reported to the police increased seven-fold from 1,100 in 1996 to 7,383  This was signed into law on March 8, 2004, during the celebration of "International Women's Day".It penalizes all forms of abuse and violence within family and intimate relationships.Republic Act No. 9262, known as the ''Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004,'' defines violence against women as any act or series of acts committed against wives, former wives, or women in any form of intimate relationship with the perpetrator, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse.It considers these acts of violence a public offense and provides for protective measures and other necessary relief for the survivor victims.This law was created in response to protect the welfare of housewives and all the women and their children.Furthermore, the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights.The State also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security (R.A. 9262, Sec. 2).Although Vigan City is not a Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) prone area, there are still reported cases.This could mean that VAWC happens in every ordinary community, and the Barangay being the closest unit of the government to the venue of VAWC is the most appropriate to provide immediate assistance.Barangays' strategic location expects the immediate implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children.
The main objective of this study is to assess the extent of implementation of Barangay Officials of the Republic Act 9262 "Violence against Women and Their Children law" in the selected barangays of Vigan City.This study intended to give benefits to the concerned Local Government Agencies; in evaluating the awareness and implementation of the law and establishing a gender-responsive governance, the members of the Community who deserve a peaceful and gender-sensitive environment; the Victim-survivor for improved assistance from the Barangay.To the Barangay Officials who work with the Philippine National Police to enforce the law; and for the benefit of the VAWC Desk Person in implementing state policy regarding women's and children's rights so that they can provide conventional and innovative remedies to women and children who are victims or survivors of VAWC.It is also beneficial to the Criminal Justice System since crimes begin in the community, and if the community is aware of this rule, the VAWC rule may act as crime prevention or, at the very least, reduce the consequences on victims.A questionnaire/checklist will be used in determining the profile of the respondents, and their extent of implementation.Simple Linear Correlation Analysis will be used to investigate the relationship between the identified variables in the problems.

Review of related literature
Violence Against Women and Children is a worldwide phenomenon.Violence exists in a vicious cycle and can happen to everyone.Violence against women has existed for many years ago in many different forms.The increasing number of Domestic Violence against Women and children is one of the challenges that the country is facing today.The advocates for Stop Violence Against Women state that "there are several theories surrounding domestic violence, including the idea that domestic violence is a learned behavior from childhood and that repressed barterers fall into a cycle of violence".Observational learning is a method of learning that consists of observing and modeling another individual's behavior, attitudes, or emotional expressions.Although it is commonly believed that the observer will copy the model, American psychologist Albert Bandura stressed that individuals may simply learn from the behavior rather than imitate it.Violence has negative consequences for social welfare, children, families, and the community.It can directly affect the physical and mental health of a woman.To a woman who are abused are more likely to abuse their children.A child who witnesses or experiences violence at home may have long-term physical, emotional, or social problems.There is also a tendency that a child can learn that behavior or they are also more likely to experience or commit violence in the future.In the article Breaking the silence, seeking justice in intimate partner violence in the Philippines cited that "Violence against women by State actors was highlighted at the time of martial rule when detained women suffered sexual abuse, torture, and other ill-treatment.Women's rights advocacy flourished in 1986 after martial rule.Work against violence in families, in workplaces, and communities was slowly integrated by women's groups into their advocacy through diverse strategies such as direct services, education and training, organizing, networking and coalition building, and legislative lobbying".Thus, the evidence in the 1990s is the enactment of several laws protecting women and girl children from violence by the State and individuals, groups or corporations.This included the Anti-Child Abuse Law (1992), Anti-Sexual Harassment Law (1996), the Anti-Rape Law (1997) and the Rape Victims Assistance and Protection Act (1998).Citing provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), law groups advocating women's rights posed court challenges regarding prostitution and trafficking.In 2003, a law against trafficking of persons was enacted following strong pressure of women's organizations.The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) defined "violence against women as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life".It may take place whenever there is an imbalance of power

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Volume 6, Issue 2, March-April 2024 relationship which oftentimes, men imposed of their masculinity and now became their traditional and cultural trademark.Nowadays, countless women endure many forms of violence for the sake of their children and their families.The notions that men are superior over women and that they can rule over their feelings, emotions, and eventually make women be under their power makes some men become abusive of their power.
Speaking at a Mass in the northern city of Trujillo, the Pope called the violence "a plague" that needed to be combated across the region.According to the UN, half of the 25 countries with the largest number of murders of women are in Latin America.The Pope said "there are so many cases of violence that stay silenced behind so many walls and I'm calling on you to fight against this source of suffering including legislation and a culture that rejects every type of violence."Everything starts at home; the law protects the family as a very important institution.Any untoward incidence of violence of one family can affect other families since everyone lives in a community.One can influence each other and afterwards, the whole society.With its enactment came the elimination of the legal distinction between the private and the public as the law recognized abuses committed against women by their intimate partners as a violation of human rights.Its passage marked the recognition of domestic violence as a public offenseone that is perpetrated not only against a private complainant but against an entire society, a crime that is not merely a simple case The Barangay Officials play the most significant role in the Anti-VAWC law.It can take into account the reality of poor women who do not go to courts to seek protection from abuse for reasons of shame, lack of resources, lack of women's awareness of their rights, and limited information on the services that are available to them.Poor women usually seek assistance from Barangay officials when experiencing intimate partner violence since the Barangay is easily accessible.The law specifies three kinds of Protection orders: The Barangay Protection Order (BPO), the Temporary Protection Order (TPO), and the Permanent Protection Order (PPO).Violations of protection orders are punishable by imprisonment and/or fine, without prejudice to any other criminal or civil action that the offended party may file for any of the acts committed.The Barangay Protection Order is the most accessible protection order that may be obtained by the woman.The awareness and the rightful implementation of Barangay Officials would be the possible solutions to achieve the goal of this law.
In a 2004 report on violence against women, Amnesty International stated: "In every culture, in all regions, many men and women are unaware of the extent and seriousness of gender-based discrimination.Particularly, they are not aware that such violence is a criminal matter and an abuse of human rightsthey accept it as a normal and natural part of life.International law and standards require that states take active steps to change this through public education of various kinds, targeted at all sectors of society." The knowledge of the public as regards RA9262 is not thorough.Some people don't even know what the law covers.Though it can be assumed that there are people who don't know RA 9262 at all, it is very disturbing to learn that there are Barangay Officials who are not implementing their duties and functions.Thus, the study that the researchers are conducting would determine the level of implementation of the respondents with regards to the Violence against Women and Children Law.If there are barangay officials who do not implement their duties and functions as prescribed by this law, it is evident that there are women who have been subject to abuse and were not given proper treatment and/or solutions to their cases.
In the study of Hadap in the Implementation of the Law on Anti-Violence against Women and their Children in Malabon City; An Assessment found that the issuance and serving of Barangay Protection Order (BPO) was partially implemented because the application of mediation proceedings resulted in the abandonment.Moreover, only a few barangay had separate logbooks for VAWC cases, it was then found out the difficulty in record keeping and identification of a complaint into that a VAWC case from ordinary disputes.
It is a big contrary to section 14 on IRR of RA 9262 states that the Punong Barangay or Kagawad, or the Barangay Secretary, shall record all BPOs in a logbook specifically for cases of VAWC.This logbook is confidential and must be kept from the public especially the media.Strengthening the duties and functions of Barangay officials lead to the real purpose of this law.This study proposes that if Barangay Officials are fully implementing their duties and functions, crimes related to VAWC can be alleviated because women will be empowered and be armed with necessary ways and steps on how to protect themselves from the violence and abuses that perpetrators can cause them.The reason why the researchers have taught about studying or assessing the R.A. 9262 is that everyone, especially women and children should all be aware of their rights and be empowered to protect themselves.Not only these women and children should protect themselves, but the whole community must be informed so that we can all help fight violence against women and children.Conducting this study is very important on the part of Barangay Officials as they are the prime servants of the community.This study served as an eye-opener to Barangay, local, and national officials to formulate the programs that will prevent or minimize future cases of VAWC.This study assessed the extent of implementation of VAWC law in selected Barangays of Vigan City.

Conceptual framework paradigm
The paradigm shows the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables.The independent variable includes the profile of the barangay officials.The dependent variable of the study is the extent of implementation of RA 9262.

Figure 1. The Research Paradigm
The research paradigm shows the relationship between the independent variables which show the profile of respondents while the Dependent variables show the Extent Implementation of RA 9262 along the Operational Procedure in handling Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) cases, Elimination of Violence Against Women and their Children, Issuance of Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Confidentiality and Violation of a Barangay Protection Order.

Research Methodology
This section discusses the research design used in the study, the population and sample of respondents, the data gathering instrument, data gathering procedures, ethical considerations, statistical treatment, and presentation of data.
Research Design.This study employed the descriptive type of survey research and correlational methods of research.As used in the study, the data needed were gathered, tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted to answer the problem raised in the study.Data Gathering Procedure.The researchers first researched relevant information about the Anti-VAWC law in both local and multi-national settings through articles from news articles, law books, and internet sites.This process gave them a background on the various kinds of laws widely used by most governments to protect women and children against abuse and violence.Secondly, the letter was made address to the Vigan City Chief PNP through the WOMEN and Children Protection Desk in gathering the data on the Barangays of Vigan with VAWC cases.Third, the letter is made addressed to the City Mayor for consent to gathering data.Lastly, the letter is made addressed to the Punong Barangay for the request for the distribution of the survey questionnaires.The survey questionnaires were answered within the day of their distribution.

Ethical Considerations
In the conduct of the study, the researcher was guided by the following ethical considerations.Research Ethics.Research ethics will be properly observed in the conduct of the study.Permission to gather data will be sought from proper authorities.Informed consent will be provided to the respondents, and they will be assured of anonymity of their names.Privacy and Confidentiality.The researcher will always consider privacy and confidentiality.To safeguard their identity, their names will be coded.Any records or documents acquire will be used only for the purpose of the study.Documents will be placed in a lock cabinet.It will be destroyed a year after the presentation of the study.Data will be saved in a password protected computer that the researcher could only access.Informed Consent Process.The informed consent form contains the terms and conditions of the study.The rights of the respondents as participants of the study are also included in the consent form.Furthermore, purposes & benefits of the study, the importance of the results & the valuable role of the respondents will also add to elicit the active participation of the respected respondents.It will be given to the participant before the conduct of the study.Vulnerability.The participants of this study are not vulnerable because they are elected and appointed officials already.They will be dealt considering their rights to participate or not.Their participation is voluntary, and they will not be forced to do so.Recruitment.The respondents of this study will be barangay officials (punong barangay, barangay kagawad and barangay secretary) VAWC Desk person & selected residents.Barangay Official play's vital role in the implementation of the Anti-VAWC Law.They are mandated to assist victim-survivor if any, can issue Barangay Protection Order if needed, help in the prevention of VAWC cases and most important to keep confidentiality on cases being handled.The researcher includes the VAWC Desk Person and some selected residents as respondents to validate the extent implementation of Anti-VAWC law in their respected Barangays.Risks.The researcher foresees minimal risk for those who choose to participate in the study.It will be associated when the participants will be asked to answer the implementation of Anti-Violence Against Women and their children (RA 9262).To minimize it, the researcher will be maintaining privacy and confidentiality throughout the study by not spreading the answers of the participants and keeping the documents in a sealed envelope and lock cabinet.The documents will be destroyed after the presentation of the study.Benefits.The direct benefit of the study to the respondents is to create awareness of themselves as they are assessing the services and programs in the implementation of VAWC in their respective areas of responsibility.As to the indirect benefits, the result of this study would produce valuable outcomes in different sectors of the community.The results of the study could also serve as a basis for the concerned local agencies to improve the service and programs in their future plans in coming up with more intensified programs, and project activities (PAPs).In addition, the community people appreciate the effort, service, and programs of the government for their safety and security.For other researchers to appreciate and use as reference material.
Statistical Treatment of Data.The data gathered in this study was analyzed using the following statistical tools: 1. Frequency count and percentage are used to determine the profile of the respondents.2. Mean rating is used to determine the extent of implementation and the degree of seriousness of the problems encountered in the implementation of RA 9262.3. Simple Linear Correlation Analysis is used to determine the relationship between the perceived extent of implementation and the profile of the respondents.

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
In this chapter, the results and findings are geared to the research questions regarding the extent of implementation of the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262).The discussion is presented in the order of the specific problems as stated in Chapter I.This JMC provides for the guidelines and procedures in the establishment of a VAW Desk in every barangay to ensure that all forms of violence against women cases are fully addressed in a genderresponsive manner.It can also be interpreted that Barangay Level is doing its best to address the problem of Violence Against Women and their Children at the Barangay level in the City of Vigan.This is proved by the designated VAWC Desk Person in every Barangay.
On Length of Service.The majority (98 or 44.7%) of the respondents have been in the service for 0 -1 year while the least (4 or 1.8%) has been for 5 years.It is observed in the respondent's length of service that the majority of them belong to the service for 0-1 year as they were only effective on their position last July 01, 2017.However, Barangay Officials serving a year can be observed so we can ascertain that this is a good sign that their experiences and insights will count so much in the effective rendering of services to the constituents.As a result of the extent of implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) along with operational procedures in handling VAWC cases, the respondents obtained an overall mean rating of 3.21 described as "High".This implies that the commitment of the Barangay officials is indisputable in the full implementation of their activities to attain their objectives.When taken by the groups of respondents, the residents rated the performance of Brgy.Officials with the highest mean rating of 3.25 described as "Implemented".The findings could be attributed to the observation of the people of Vigan City which means the people are very much supportive of the different Anti-VAWC programs.The UNICEF South Africa recommended that "Community mobilization is only one of many aspects of violence prevention and where possible should be coupled with access to referral systems and response services".This proves that the community people of Vigan felt the innermost services of Barangay Officials in the Extent of Implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) along with Operational Procedure in Handling VAWC Cases.The group of Barangay Officials even it is self-rating got the lowest mean rating of 3.17 described as "Implemented".The findings could ascertain that they know for themself that they lack rendering services.The highest mean rating is obtained by the item "Upon being informed of an act of VAWC, the barangay official shall immediately verify the information.If necessary, said official shall seek the assistance of the police" with a mean rating of 3.58 described as "Fully Implemented".This could be attributed to the fact that they know their duties and responsibilities in any event of VAWC cases.Followed by the highest is the item "Assist the victim-survivors in filing the appropriate complaint with the PNP Women and Children's Protection Desk or other law enforcement agencies" with a mean rate of 3.35 described as "Implemented".This shows that Barangay Officials are ready to assist victim-survivors if any, and that they are aware of their primary obligations in the implementation of Anti-VAWC law.On the other hand, on the item "If the relief requested or applied for involves the failure to provide support to the woman or her children, especially for their education and medical needs, the Punong Barangay or in his/her absence, any Kagawad, shall call the respondent for counseling and explain to him his legal obligations to support his wife and/or minor children.This shall not be construed to mean as a mode of conciliation or mediation and must be done only with the presence of the respondent, without the victimsurvivor or applicant" got the lowest mean rating of 3.02 or described as "Implemented".In the article of Chiu, (2018) entitled "Amicable settlement in VAW cases Illegal, when not done by parties".In most cases when women are harmed or are already feeling the pain, they go to relatives, or in some extreme cases, the barangay officials or the police, for safety.But, when they realize the children are most affected, the usual move is to withdraw, especially when local officials arrange for dialogs to patch the issue".This statement proved the rate of the lowest item.This could be assumed that there are cases wherein Barangay Officials sometimes insistently advise the victim-survivor to reconcile with her partner especially if they have children despite the clear prohibition of the law against compromise.Next from the lowest with a mean rate of 3.05 described as "Implemented" is the item "shall not attempt to influence the victim-survivor to abandon her claims".This can assume that there are times when Barangay officials try to promote harmonious family and community relationships employing just settlement for the couple not knowing it is illegal to push parties to amicably settle because the underlying issue might be physical abuse and it could result in more serious harm to death.

b) Extent of Implementation of Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) along with Elimination of Violence against Women and their Children.
The results showed that along duties and functions of barangay officials in the elimination of VAWC, the respondents obtained an overall mean rating of 3.27 described as "High".This means that they are implementing their functions accordingly.Taken by the group of respondents the VAWC desk person rated the performance of Barangay Officials at 3.31 described as "Implemented".This implies that the VAWC desk person sees the effort of Barangay Officials.On the other hand, the group of Barangay officials rated lowest with a mean rating of 3.22 described as "Implemented".This can presume that they know for themselves that they need to exert more effort in the elimination of the Anti-VAWC law.The highest mean rating of 3.41 is obtained by the item "Have an anti-VAWC desk officer in the barangay who shall coordinate a one-stop help desk.As much as possible, this help desk shall be open for 24 hours" which is described as "Fully Implemented".This shows that Barangay of Vigan City is complying with the DILG MC 2012-61 wherein the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IAC-VAWC) issued the "Guidelines in the Establishment and Management of a Referral System on Violence Against Women and Their Children at the Local Government Unit Level", under Section 54 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9262 also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.Following the highest item is the item "Prioritize livelihood projects for victim-survivors" with a mean rating of 3.35 described as "implemented".Their role is very important wherein Barangay officials serve as the recommending committee on who are deserving residents to be assisted by the city government through livelihood projects barangay officials primarily endorse victim-survivors of VAWC.This shows the support of the Barangay government to the victim-survivors.The item "Involve women in planning and implementation of all programs and projects in the barangay" obtained the lowest mean rating of 3.13 which is described as "Implemented".To understand these findings the article by Cabarubias, (2011) entitled Barangay Up Campus And The Family And Community Healing Center: A Case Study on Local Gender & Budgeting states that "Local governments have been shown to utilize gender budgets on projects that do not principally serve women's interests and needs".This showed the importance of women's involvement in the policy, budgeting, and other barangay activities, this implies that women know what other women need and to attain this, Barangay officials need more effort to solicit the active participation of every woman in the Barangay.Next to the lowest is the item "Develop a system to document and report cases of VAWC and assistance program to victims thereof" with a rate of 3.17 described as "Implemented".The (WWTSVAW) or the Women Working Together to Stop Violence against Women (2009) proved the findings wherein it is stated that "Documentation of cases of intimate partner violence against women and their children is erratic and very poor.The tracking of cases by the DILG is dismal.This shows that until this time barangay's have no systematic in documenting and reporting of VAWC cases.

c) The extent of Implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004
(RA 9262) along with the Issuance of Barangay Protection Order.It can be observed in the results, that along issuance of a barangay protection order, the respondent obtained an overall mean rating of 3.29 which is described as "High".This shows that Barangay officials are fully implementing one of the most important duties in the implementation Anti-VAWC Law.The provision of the law is clear that the barangay and its officers are mandated by the law to immediately assist victims of violators of RA 9262.This legal requirement for barangays to swiftly act on applications for BPO is crucial considering that they are in the best position to provide first assistance and protection to the women and children in their barangay.Taken to the group of respondents the residents rated the highest with a rate of 3.33 described as "Implemented".The group of VAWC Desk persons rated the lowest with a mean rating of 3.24 described as "Implemented".The highest mean rating is obtained by the item "The Punong Barangay or kagawad, law enforcers and other government agencies shall not mediate or conciliate or influence the victim-survivor/petitioner for a protection order to compromise or abandon the relief sought.Otherwise, they shall be held administratively liable (Sec.33, R.A. 9262)" with a mean rating of 3.46 which is described as "Fully Implemented".This shows that barangay officials are aware of their duties and responsibilities.
Next to the highest mean rating is the item "The application for and issuance of a BPO is free of charge".This could be attributed to the fact that if there are fees to be collected at the barangay level this is another burden on the part of the victim-survivor.The item "The application for a BPO is an ex parte proceeding, which means that no notice and hearing need be given to the respondent" obtained the lowest mean rating of 3.16 described as "Implemented".The result of this item could presume that in some case of application of BPO there are times that Barangay officials firstly listen to the side of the two parties objectively to save their marriage or for the sake of their children.

d) Extent of Implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) along with Confidentiality.
The results present that along with confidentiality, the respondents obtained an overall mean rating of 3.49 described as "Very High".This means that the implementation of confidentiality of Anti-VAWC law shows that Barangay Officials are strictly implementing their duties and responsibilities to protect the privacy of the victim-survivor.Taken from the group of respondents the residents rated the highest with a mean rating of 3.51 described as "Fully Implemented" while the Barangay officials and VAWC desk person rated the same with a mean rating of 3.47 described as "Fully Implemented".The item "The logbook (record of all VAW cases) is confidential and must be kept from the public especially the media" obtained the highest mean rating of 3.63 described as "Fully Implemented".This implies that Barangay officials strictly implement the confidentiality of the victim-survivor.The item "Whoever publishes or causes to be published, in any format, the name, address, telephone number, school, business address, employer, or other identifying information of a victim or an immediate family member, without the latter's consent, shall be liable to the contempt power of the court" obtained the lowest mean rating of 3.37 which is also described as "Implemented".This is attributed to the fact that there are times when barangay officials can unintentionally share some confidential information about the victims.

e) Extent of Implementation of Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) along with Violation of a Barangay Protection Order
Scrutinizing the results along violations of a barangay protection order, the respondents obtained an overall mean rating of 3.34 which is described as "High".From the group of respondents, the residents rated the highest with a rate of 3.38 described as "Implemented" while the lowest rate came from the group of VAWC desk person with a mean rating of 3.27 described as "Implemented."The highest mean rating is obtained by the item "In the event that the Punong Barangay or Kagawad or barangay official referred to in the preceding paragraph refuses to initiate a complaint for a violation of a BPO, the victim-survivor/ applicant shall have the right to file such complaint, without prejudice to the right to file appropriate administrative, civil or criminal action against the barangay official concerned.(IRR of R.A. 9262)" with a mean rating of 3.42 which is described as "Fully Implemented.It implies the strict implementation Barangay Protection order.A key provision of RA 9262 is making available a Barangay Protection Order (BPO to guard a violated woman from further physical harm.Authorizing villages or "barangays," the country's smallest local government unit (LGU), to issue and enforce BPO's is a source of relief that is speedy and readily accessible.
On the other hand, the lowest mean rating is obtained by the item "Violation of a BPO shall be punishable by imprisonment of thirty (30) days without prejudice to any other criminal or civil action that the offended party may file for any of the acts committed" with a mean rating of 3.23 described as "Implemented".

f) Extent of Implementation of Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262)
The data reveals that the extent of implementation on the duties and function of barangay officials, the respondents obtained a grand mean rating of 3.31 described as "High".Problem 3. Is there a significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262?Taken as a whole there is a significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262.This is observed on civil status (r = .142)which is significant at .05 probability level and position (r = .206)which is significant at .01 probability level.This implies that married respondents and have higher positions tend to have a higher perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262.It is further observed from the table that civil status is significantly related to their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262 along with issuance of a barangay protection order with the obtained rvalue of .175which is significant at .01 probability level.The result shows that there is a significant relationship between the civil status of the respondents and their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262.This implies that married respondents have a higher level of perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262.The data reveals that there is also a significant relationship between educational attainment and their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262 along issuance of barangay protection orders.This claim is backed up by the obtained rr-value of .135which is significant at .05 probability level.This finding suggests that there is a significant relationship between educational attainment and their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262.This implies that respondents who obtained a higher level of education tend to have a higher level of perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262.The data on the table also reveals that there is a significant relationship between position and operational procedure in handling VAWC cases (r = .184),elimination of violence against women and their children (r = .171),issuance of a barangay protection order (r = .143)and violation of a barangay protection order (r = .139*)which shows that there is a significant relationship existed.The result implies that barangay officials have a higher level of perception on the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262 along with operational procedure in handling VAWC cases elimination of violence against women and their children, issuance of barangay protection order and violation of a barangay protection order.

RECOMMENDATIONS
From the findings and conclusions drawn in this study, the researcher recommends the following: 1.The extent of implementation of the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) needs to be improved from "Implemented" to "Fully Implemented" level with more strict enforcement of the different programs along with operational procedure in handling VAWC cases, elimination of VAWC, issuance of barangay protection order, confidentiality and on Violation of Barangay Protection Order.
2. Continues support and information dissemination to the residents to meet the real purpose and aim of the law to protect the rights of every woman and children against violence.3. Programs and services for victim-survivors be coordinated and supported to build up the trust of the constituents to the law implementers in the Barangay as they are the first respondent in any case of VAWC incident implementation of RA 9262.4. Duties and functions of the Barangay Officials must be reinforced and intensified to strengthen the implementation of RA 9262 in the Barangay's of Vigan City. 5. Awareness activities on the programs and services may be conducted by the implementing agencies to encourage involvement and cooperation of women.
in 2004.The highest recorded number of VAW cases in the Philippine National Police (PNP) peaked in 2001 at 10,343.(Strategic Plan of the IACVAWC 2007-2010) On the study of Santiago & Aya states that a milestone in the advocacy to eliminate VAWC was the passage of Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
This research study seeks to assess the extent of implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) of the Barangay Officials in the selected Barangays of Vigan City.Particularly, this research study aims to answer the following specific questions: 1.What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents in terms of: 1.1 age, 1.2 civil status, 1.3 sex, 1.4 educational attainment, 1.5 position, and 1.6 length of service? 2. What is the extent of implementation of Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) in terms of the following: 2.1 Operational Procedure in Handling VAWC cases, 2.2 Elimination of Violence Against Women and their Children, 2.3 Issuance of Barangay Protection Order (BPO), 2.4 Confidentiality, and 2.5 Violation of a Barangay Protection Order? 3. Is there a significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and their perception of the extent of implementation of R.A. 9262?Scope and delimitation of the study This study is limited to the analysis of the answers of the respondents.The study employed the descriptive and correlational methods of research.The participants are the Barangay Officials; Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawad, Barangay Secretary, VAWC Desk Person & selected residents.The coverage of the study is the extent of implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) in the selected Barangays of Vigan City Ilocos Sur, during the calendar year 2018 as assessed by the Barangay Officials themselves, VAWC Desk Person and selected residents.
The 2017 Campaign to End VAW cited the results of the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2013 show that one out of five (20%) of women aged 15 to 49 years has experienced physical violence.The NDHS is conducted every five years.A total of 31,580 cases of violations of RA 9262 were filed before the Philippine National Police from January to December 2016 (PNP WCPC 2016 Report).A total of 15,749 cases of violations of RA 9262 were filed before the Philippine National Police from January to June 2017 (PNP WCPC Report).As of June 2017, 88.44% or 37,178 out of 42,036 Barangays in the Philippines have established Barangay VAW Desk (DILG Report).It is obviously noted that survey results are more indicative of the prevalence of violence in the country, since the data on number of clients served by service providers like the police, social workers, and health workers only capture cases reported to these offices.It is also clear that there are Barangays who are not yet established their VAWC Desk.Considering such prevalence, the government shall focus on Primary Prevention, to reduce incidents of VAWC in the country.As mandated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the state shall exert efforts to address violence against women and children in keeping with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other human rights instruments to which the Philippines is a signatory (IRR-RA 9262).The Philippines had modified national policy to eliminate Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) by mandating its governmental branches to intensify collaboration to holistically address it.The Philippine Congress had enacted laws such as Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353), Anti Trafficking Law (RA 9208), Anti Sexual Harassment Law (RA 7877), Magna Carta for Women (RA 9710) and most importantly, the RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004.RA aimed to further protect women and children from violence and to penalize violations thereto.It covered acts of physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuses.
of marital dispute.According to the Women Working Together to Stop Violence against Women (WWTSVAW), "a critical government institution in the implementation of RA 9262 is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which supervises the local government units including barangays.The DILG trained provincial and city directors on RA 9262, which were expected to convey what they learned to local government officials".Furthermore, the (WWTSVAW) or the Women Working Together to Stop Violence against Women (2009) states that "Documentation of cases of intimate partner violence against women and their children is erratic and very poor.The tracking of cases by the DILG is dismal.The government is serious about the implementation of the elimination of VAWC cases in the country.Trying to eliminate this problem is a penetrating strategy at its very roots, and where the problems occur the Barangay.The Barangay is the basic political unit; the Barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community.The Barangay Officials are deemed persons in authority in their respective jurisdiction, hence, they are mandated to maintain public order and ensure the protection of life, liberty, and property.The article Violence against women: Theoretical Reflections authored by Casique and Furegato states that "Violence against women is increasingly faced as an important public health problem.Thus, there is an urgent need to establish early detection and effective intervention programs."The UNICEF South Africa recommended that "Community mobilization is only one of many aspects of violence prevention and where possible should be coupled with access to referral systems and response services".DILG MC 2012-61 wherein the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IAC-VAWC) has issued the "Guidelines in the Establishment and Management of a Referral System on Violence Against Women and Their Children at the Local Government Unit Level", pursuant to Section 54 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9262 also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.The IRR of RA 9262, especially Section 47 states the Duties and Functions of Barangay Officials in the implementation of violence against women and their children.
The (WWTSVAW) or the Women Working Together to Stop Violence against Women (2009) stated that "Documentation of cases of intimate partner violence against women and their children is erratic and very poor.The tracking of cases by the DILG is dismal.This shows that until this time barangay's have no systematic in documenting and reporting of VAWC cases.Systematic documentation on the barangay level is very important.It is one of the most important functions of barangay officials to organize and keep documents.
opinions.It follows that our respondents read and understand the law being implemented, that is, R.A. 9262 or anti-violence Against Women and their Children.Hence, richness of ideas and diversity of opinions are implied in this type of people because of their educational background.On Position.A great percentage (103 or 45.6%) of the respondents are barangay kagawad while the least (15 or 6.8%) are barangay chairmen, another are barangay secretaries and another 15 are VAWC desk officers.Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) issued Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2010-2 dated December 9, 2010, entitled "Guidelines in the Establishment of a Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk in Every Barangay".

Problem 2 .
What is the extent of implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) in terms of the following: a) Operational Procedure in handling VAWC cases, b) Elimination of Violence Against Women and their Children, c) Issuance of Barangay Protection Order (BPO), d) Confidentiality, and e) Violation of a Barangay Protection Order a) Extent of implementation of Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) along with Operational Procedure in handling VAWC cases.
6. E.O/Resolution for the creation of Counselling committee/ or Counsellor Seminar/Training programs for family accountability 7. Conduct of Training /Seminar for computer literacy and proper document technique.8. Fully implementation of the allotted budget for projects/programs for the Gender and Development.

Population and Sample.
Adopting the purposive sampling procedure, the respondents assessed the Barangay Officials (Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawad, and Barangay Secretary) as they personally handled VAWC cases and records in the Barangays.There were 225 respondents who came from the Barangays with reported VAWC Cases during the Calendar Year 2015-2017.The researchers included the designated VAWC Person and selected residents to validate the performance of Barangay Officials in the implementation of RA 9262.Data Gathering Instrument.The study utilized a constructed questionnaire based on the provisions of RA 9262 and its IRR in the collection of data to test the hypothesis and answer the problems raised in this study.The questionnaire is validated by a pool of experts for its validity.The questionnaire consists of two parts.The First part is the gathered data on the Profile of the respondents, the Second part is the extent of implementation of RA 9262.The following norms for interpretation were set to describe the extent of implementation of Republic Act 9262 in Vigan City:

length of service? On Age. A
great percentage (great percentage (70 or 32.0%) of the respondents belong to the age bracket of 36 -40 years while the least (11 or 5.0%) belong to the age bracket of 21 -25 years and another (11 or 5.0%) belong to the age bracket of 26 -30 years.It means that the respondents belonging to this age bracket 36 -40 years of the study are mature enough and able to decide as expected being an adult.Also, respondents are expected to be able to make good judgments for they are considered adults.On Civil Status.A great majority (176 or 80.4%) of the respondents are married while the least (6 or 2.7%) of the respondents are separated.This only shows that our respondents can understand the situation and conditions of the victims since most of them are parents.On Sex. the Majority (121 or 55.3%) of the respondents are male while the least (98 or 43.4%) of the respondents are female.This result implies that there is gender equality in the political representation of women.It shows that women's participation in political representation is very important in the implementation of Anti-VAWC law as they know or understand more the appropriate needs of women.
On Educational Attainment.Half (113 or 51.6%) of the respondents are college graduates while the least (2 or 0.9%) are elementary graduates.Respondents belonging to the College Graduate category may have more knowledge and exposure to the Anti-VAWC law compared to the respondents who belong to the elementary graduate.We can be certain that the respondents were able to clearly understand the survey questionnaires and can provide better insights about the problem being studied and share valuable