Estephanie U. Pahulaya

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Starting Point

Estephanie Pahulaya is one of the key people in the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Mandaue City, Cebu. Her office plays a critical role in providing social welfare services to residents, particularly those vulnerable or marginalised, including women and children. It is responsible for implementing various programmes and services to improve the welfare and quality of life of Mandaue individuals, families, and communities.

Peace Journey

On women’s issues, the CSWDO contributes to giving support and empowerment, particularly to those facing challenging circumstances, violence, and abuse. One of its core functions is providing essential services such as counselling, legal aid, and referral support for women who are victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. Such effort ensures that women have access to the protection and support they need to help them navigate their recovery process. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters, the office steps in to provide immediate relief in the form of food, housing, and emergency assistance, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including women and children.

In addition to offering direct services, the office also plays an active role in child welfare, where it supports women, particularly mothers and caregivers, in protecting their children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It provides family counselling and various child welfare programmes, empowering women to be proactive in safeguarding their families and fostering healthy family dynamics. Additionally, it promotes women's economic empowerment through livelihood programmes, skills training, and microfinancing, enabling women to improve their financial independence and self-sufficiency. This, in turn, enhances their ability to provide for themselves and their families.

Beyond these services, it is dedicated to advocating for women’s rights and gender equality by raising awareness of key social issues, including poverty, inequality, and violence. It fosters a more inclusive society through public education and advocacy programmes that address these critical concerns. Furthermore, it collaborates with other government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local community groups to create a support network for women, ensuring they receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their specific needs.

In addition, the CSWDO prioritises the welfare of women during disaster response efforts. By ensuring that women receive the necessary support in times of calamity, such as medical care, psychosocial services, and safe evacuation, the office helps women recover and rebuild their lives. Through its wide range of services and initiatives, it plays a vital role in ensuring that women in Mandaue City have the protection, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, thereby contributing to a more resilient, empowered, and supportive community.

Success Stories

The focus on women's development is central to addressing critical issues such as gender equality, violence against women and children, and women's economic empowerment. Several initiatives across Central Visayas aim to improve the status and opportunities for women, ensuring they have access to skills training, business opportunities, and support services that foster personal and economic growth. The CSWDO in Mandaue City also monitors the implementation of various women’s empowerment programmes.

One of the key initiatives implemented is the TESDA Cash for Training Project (C4TP), which targets disadvantaged youth, especially women, by offering vocational training aligned with market demands. With a goal of distributing 3,286 scholarship vouchers for Central Visayas, women can enrol in courses like dressmaking, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This programme empowers women by equipping them with skills that enhance their employability or provide the foundation for starting their own businesses.

The Coke-TESDA S3TAR Project specifically focuses on women’s sari-sari store (grocery stall) operators in Cebu, offering them formal training to enhance their entrepreneurial skills. In collaboration with local women’s organisations, this project aims to improve the business acumen of women store operators and equip them with the skills necessary to run successful enterprises.

There is also the Gender and Development (GAD) Recognition Programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Region 7), which acknowledges outstanding women entrepreneurs. Women in fields such as agriculture, baking, and chocolate manufacturing were recognised for their contributions to economic growth while promoting gender equality. The programme highlights the significant contributions women make to local economies and reinforces the importance of gender-responsive programming.

Additionally, in Mandaue City, efforts to support women employees include special programmes such as a half-day holiday with pay to celebrate International Women’s Month. There are also health and awareness initiatives, including Cancer Awareness Seminars and Gender Sensitivity Trainings, which are organised to promote women’s health and rights and ensure they have the resources and knowledge to care for themselves.

In the same city, a proposal to provide barangay (district) Gender and Development (GAD) focal points with paid positions is under consideration. This initiative aims to strengthen the city’s response to Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) cases by encouraging the development of dedicated personnel who will provide support to victims, thereby improving the city’s overall capacity to address gender-based violence.

Moreover, the MOVE-DSWD-7 chapter, a movement of men advocating against violence towards women, plays a crucial role in raising awareness and creating a safer environment for women. By involving men in efforts to reduce VAWC, this initiative fosters greater community involvement and broadens the support for women’s rights.

These programmes, implemented in partnership with various organisations and local governments, highlight the importance of training, economic empowerment, health, legal support, and advocacy in advancing women's development and promoting gender equality in Central Visayas. Together, they create a supportive ecosystem that addresses women's multifaceted needs and empowers them to lead healthier, more independent lives.