PIA, PNP strengthen VAW-free communities in Agusan Sur through Panagtigum
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) - Now on its 5th episode, the PIA Caraga’s ‘Panagtigum’ partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Agusan del Sur to strengthen community awareness on violence against women (VAW) to promote an environment free from all forms of abuses, during a forum in Barangay Halapitan, La Paz in Agusan del Sur on November 25.
Reaching communities at the grassroots level is vital in promoting awareness, strengthening protection mechanisms, and ensuring that residents, especially women and children, have direct access to government services against violence. This is one of the objectives of PIA Caraga’s ‘Panagtigum,’ a continuing grassroots community forum and outreach series conducted across the Caraga region.
For this event, the Panagtigum sa Barangay—or barangay gathering—the participants emphasized that this sort of activity helps families strengthen respect, communication, and non-violence in the home.
One of the young girls among the audience, Ana, an elementary pupil, shared how a peaceful household positively influences children. She said she feels secure at home because her parents treat each other with understanding and respect. “Wala gyud ko kakita nga nag-away si Papa ug Mama. Nagkasinabtanay sila, mao nga maayo kaayo ang among balay (I have never seen my father and mother fight. They understand each other, and that’s why our home is very peaceful).”
Her reflection highlighted how children closely observe the behavior of adults and how positive family relationships shape their sense of safety and well-being.
Police Captain Renlyn Arozza, Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) officer of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office, emphasized the importance of bringing programs like Panagtigum directly to communities as part of efforts to prevent violence and protect vulnerable groups.
“This platform allows us to directly engage with the community and strengthen our shared responsibility to build a peaceful and VAW-free environment,” Arozza said.
She also encouraged women experiencing abuse to access the services of their Barangay Women’s Desk or the nearest WCPD police station.
“You will be guided on what to do and supported every step of the way,” she added, stressing that hotline numbers are available 24/7.
Punong Barangay Lopito Huerta expressed his appreciation to PIA Caraga and PNP Agusan del Sur for selecting their barangay for the 5th episode of Panagtigum. “This initiative is valuable to the community because it gives residents direct access to information on government programs and important laws that protect everyone, especially women.”
He added that such outreach efforts “strengthen awareness and empower barangay constituents to help build a safer and more informed community.”
With each episode held in different provinces and in partnership with various local and national agencies, PIA Caraga’s Panagtigum continues to evolve as a vital mechanism for promoting awareness, community empowerment, and a sustained movement toward a VAW-free and peaceful community. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)