21/04/2026
Capacity Development Training for Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Officers in BARMM
Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City | April 14–16, 2026
The Bangsamoro Women Commission, in partnership with Nonviolent Peaceforce through the Babae Project sponsored by the Embassy of Japan through the UNFPA and in close coordination with the PNP PRO-BAR, successfully organized and facilitated the Capacity Development Training for Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Officers in BARMM: Strengthening BARMM Local Protection Mechanism through Enhanced GBV Prevention, Response, and Psychosocial Support. A specialized training on the PNP Guidance Note on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response, including cybercrime-related cases for WCPD Officers and Regional PNP Units, was conducted. This initiative was part of the BWC’s program to assess and monitor the Local Protection Mechanisms in the BARMM. The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and competencies of WCPD Officers in handling cases involving women and children, ensuring more gender-responsive, sensitive, and effective service delivery at the community level. It also sought to enhance coordination, improve institutional mechanisms, and reinforce commitment to the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups.
The training included in-depth sessions on addressing violence against women and children, covering new forms of gender-based violence such as cybercrime and technology-facilitated abuse. Participants received instruction on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), which aimed to improve trauma-informed care for survivors. Legal discussions focused on frameworks like RA 9262, RA 11596, and RA 11930, with a special session on PD 1083 and the PNP Regional Guidance Note, ensuring proper legal procedures, accountability, and strengthening frontline response. Basic concepts of Gender and Development (GAD) and Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) were also discussed to enhance operational knowledge.
Additional sessions concentrated on referral systems, response mechanisms, and Trafficking in Persons (TIP), with case-based workshops that encouraged practical application and decision-making in real-life scenarios. The technical training was further enriched by discussions on Islamic perspectives and values, which highlighted dignity, justice, compassion, and collective moral responsibility in protecting women and children.
Through this training, participants were empowered to become more effective frontliners in preventing violence, improving case management, and strengthening awareness of women and children’s rights. It also reinforced collaboration among stakeholders in advancing gender-responsive, child-friendly, and culturally sensitive protection systems. Moving forward, the expected outcome is improved service delivery, stronger barangay-level engagement, and sustained implementation of protection programs that contribute to safer and more resilient communities across BARMM.