The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 (DSWD-10), through its Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) network, has partnered with the Cagayan de Oro City government and Barangay Canitoan to intensify efforts against violence against women and children (VAWC). The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on December 9, 2025, at Pearlmont Hotel.

The agreement outlines a community-based advocacy campaign in Barangay Canitoan aimed at preventing VAWC, identifying and supporting at-risk women, children, and families, and promoting positive masculinity and gender sensitivity among men, boys, and local leaders. It also seeks to strengthen coordination among the barangay, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office, and MOVE to help build a safer and more inclusive community.

Signing the MOA were DSWD-10 Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen, Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, Barangay Canitoan Chairman Lancelot Padla, and CSWD Community-Based Services Division Head Joan Mae Ragman.

“As the lead agency on social protection, we want to empower communities, inform them of pressing social issues such as the prevalence of VAWC, and mobilize them to be part of the solution,” Director Jamen said.

Under the agreement, DSWD-10 MOVE will lead gender-sensitivity and anti-VAWC sessions, mentor male peer advocates, assist in the development of localized IEC materials, document activities, and take part in coordination meetings. MOVE will serve primarily in an advisory and advocacy-support capacity and will not engage in direct case management.

The city government, through the CSWD office, will oversee planning and coordination, identify beneficiaries, and provide psychosocial, legal, and referral services. It will also extend logistical support, monitor and evaluate campaign activities, and consolidate reports for use by city-level committees.

Barangay Canitoan will provide venues, assist in community mobilization, designate a focal person for coordination, help identify potential peer advocates, and endorse individuals or groups at risk of VAWC. It will likewise promote the campaign through barangay platforms and integrate it into ongoing programs.

All partners affirmed that the collaboration reinforces their shared commitment to preventing violence and supporting community-driven protection mechanisms in Cagayan de Oro City.