LOCAL government personnel and stakeholders completed a two-day capacity-building workshop on Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) conducted by the City Government of Tagbilaran in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines at Metro Center Hotel, Tagbilaran City on June 18-19, 2026.
The workshop reinforced safeguarding mechanisms within local government operations and strengthened efforts to ensure that public services are delivered in environments that are safe, respectful, and free from abuse and exploitation.
The activity served as a follow-through to the initial PSHEA and Safeguarding Training conducted in February 2026.
Organizers said the training was designed to address practical challenges encountered by participants in implementing safeguarding standards within their respective offices and programs.
A major component of the training focused on strengthening participants’ ability to respond appropriately to disclosures of abuse and harassment using survivor-centered approaches.
Through simulations and role-playing exercises, participants demonstrated proper reporting, referral, and response procedures designed to protect victims and uphold their rights and dignity.
The workshop also included collaborative sessions where participants developed draft communication materials, including key messages and information campaigns aimed at raising awareness of safeguarding principles within communities and government offices.
Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the initiative and underscored the importance of safeguarding in public service.
“Creating safe spaces within our institutions and barangays is a responsibility we all share.
This training strengthened our capacity to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that government services are delivered with professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity,” Mayor Yap said.
She added that promoting a culture of protection and accountability remains essential in building public trust and ensuring that local government programs remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of all sectors.
The workshop formed part of continuing efforts to institutionalize safeguarding policies, strengthen ethical governance, and promote a culture of protection across local government systems and partner organizations.
