One out of four Filipino adults considered harmful acts in various forms as among the most pressing problems of women during the present health crisis, a recent Social Weather Stations survey showed.
This prompted the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) to renew its call for the special protection of Filipino women, especially in the time of a raging pandemic.
“Filipino women are vital assets of our nation. Thus, we need to ensure they are protected against practices and acts that diminish their potential as individuals and positive contributors to their immediate communities, and Philippine society at large,” POPCOM executive director Juan Perez III said.
Based on the survey, 11 percent of the respondents mentioned physical violence as top-of-mind concern for Filipinas, while 14 percent cited sexual violence and emotional violence as top concerns.
Meanwhile, the commission noted an increase in the number of gender-based violence, according to the fifth annual report of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.
Data from the Philippine National Police cited in the yearly RPRH report showed there were 19,743 recorded cases of Violence Against Women in 2019.
Out of the total, 77 percent belonged to the intimate partner-relationship category.
“As an agency being looked upon by the national government in promoting women’s rights, POPCOM will do its best to guarantee their protection, empowerment, and provision of opportunities needed to achieve their utmost in life,” Perez said.