Orientation on the Localization of Safe Spaces Act - February 24, 2025

Baguio City, Philippines— The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Baguio City Field Office, in collaboration with the Baguio City Justice Zone, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Baguio City Police Office, and Liga ng mga Barangay - Baguio City Chapter, successfully capacitated 755 participants on the Localization of the Safe Spaces Act (SSA) or "Bawal Bastos Law" on February 24, 2025, via Zoom platform. The orientation was attended by a diverse group of key community leaders and officials, including: • Punong Barangays; • Sangguniang Barangay Members (Committee Chairpersons on Social Services/Women/Family); • SK Chairpersons and SK officials; • Anti-Sexual Harassment Desk Officers; • Barangay Tanods; and • Presidents of Barangay-based organizations for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWD), and Women's Organizations Additionally, City Social Workers and Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) officers from the Baguio City Police Office participated in the event. In his welcome remarks, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, represented by Executive Assistant IV Benjamin Macadangdang, emphasized the critical role of barangays and their stakeholders in advocating for the Safe Spaces Act. "This Act is not only a legal mandate but a call to action for each of us. As barangay leaders, law enforcers, social workers, and youth leaders, you are at the frontline of protecting the rights of every individual, ensuring that our public spaces, workplaces, and online communities remain free from harassment and discrimination," he stated. DILG Baguio City Director's Address: DILG Baguio City Director Millicent Carino encouraged all participants to view ensuring safe spaces in the community as not just a social responsibility but a moral duty that requires awareness, vigilance, and proactive leadership. "Let us raise awareness, enforce policies, and be a model of respect. Let us work together to make Baguio City a place where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels safe and valued," she concluded. The orientation featured detailed discussions from resource persons, including Atty. Katrina Gynne F. Santiago-Bosantog of the Public Attorney’s Office, and Local Government Operations Officer III Allan F. Ocal of the DILG Baguio City Field Office They elaborated on the salient features of Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) and its implementing rules and regulations, as well as the DILG-PCW Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-001, which outlines the guidelines on the localization of gender-based sexual harassment in streets and public spaces. This initiative is part of the Peace Empowerment and Award for Community-based Exemplars (PEACE) Program of the DILG Baguio City. It aims to enhance the knowledge of barangay officials about the Safe Spaces Act and to provide a clear understanding of their roles and functions as outlined in the JMC guidelines.