MANILA: The provision of training materials on the protection of women and children and promoting a fair community justice system will empower local government units (LGUs) and barangays as first responders to cases involving these sectors, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Thursday. "Enhanced Katarungan Pambarangay Manual aims to capacitate barangay officials in effective mediation, conciliation, and arbitration techniques to resolve local disputes, ensuring the principles of being child-friendly, gender-responsive and relevant to Indigenous People," DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in his speech during the handover of training materials on protection of women, kids and Katarungang Pambarangay (Community Justice) in Quezon City. Abalos said ensuring access to justice for these vulnerable groups is crucial in building a fair, inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful society. "I entrust these manuals to you as instruments to strengthen your local governments' service delivery . While these manuals are only documents, it is your dedication and commitment that will bring them to life," he added. The DILG chief also called on local chief executives and village officials to help ensure that "every child, every woman, and every community has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and just society". Abalos also warned barangay officials not to intercede to favor suspects and that there would be no settlement of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) cases at their level. He also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. viewed that resolving violence against women and children (VAWC)-related issues, especially child exploitation cases will be the 'greatest accomplishment'' Cabinet officials can achieve more than anything else. Source: Philippines News agency