Women & family relations cmte pushes for ‘ready’ WCPU at JRBGH

The committee on women and family relations, chaired by Councilor Des Dahino, recently supported the measures to make the Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU) of the J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) ready, standardized, and fully operational.

The initiative seeks to ensure a more coordinated and efficient response to the

healthcare needs of victim-survivors of cases of violence against women and children.

At present, victim-survivors who go to JRBGH are still referred to the Northern

Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC)–WCPU, as JRBGH’s own unit is not yet operating at

full capacity. This arrangement can delay timely interventions since NMMC also serves

patients from across the region.

Dr. Aileen Labadan of the WCPU emphasized that the request to activate JRBGH’s unit

has been pending for years pointing out that the current ₱500,000 allocation is far below the original ₱6.5 million proposal (later adjusted to more

than ₱7 million).

The full proposal covers not only infrastructure but also additional personnel, cross-training programs, and other resources needed to make the unit functional and compliant with standard protocols.

Representatives from JRBGH and CSWD reiterated the urgent need to have a fully

operational and standardized WCPU given the city’s high number of gender-based

violence cases. They stressed that swift action is critical to provide timely, survivor-

centered services.

Councilor Marlo Tabac moved for the submission of a detailed budget breakdown for

comprehensive review by the committee.

Councilor Paolo Gaane supported the motion, noting that the council can then study the proposal and enact the necessary ordinance to secure adequate funding.

The item was deferred pending submission of the required budget details.

Councilors Imee Moreno, Aga Suan, and George Christopher Goking likewise expressed support for the initiative. (SPE/SP)