By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Justice Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz stated Sunday (10 March 2024) that the Department of Justice (DOJ) stands for the rights of women, children, and marginalized sectors of society.
Lapuz also emphasized the gender and development (GAD) vision and mission of the Department, aiming “to achieve a just and peaceful society through the establishment of an effective gender-sensitive, gender-responsive, and child-friendly justice system. A justice system that is accessible to everyone and inclusive.”
“All genders need to work hand-in-hand to change the current paradigm and achieve the ultimate goal of gender equality, eradicating all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation against women, men, and children,” Lapuz emphasized during her dialogue with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The Assistant Secretary also outlined various programs of the DOJ aimed at intensifying the empowerment of women and combating violence against women and children (VAWC), along with other forms of abuse and exploitation.
Furthermore, Lapuz expressed optimism about establishing a partnership with the PIA to communicate the Department’s agenda and messages to grassroots levels of society.
“Communication plays a significant role because if we fail to deliver the message to those who need to hear it, we cannot prompt action from them,” Lapuz emphasized.
(el Amigo/MNM)