THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) formally launched the Center for Women and Children (CWC) in Baguio at the Bishops Compound.

CBCP Office on Women executive secretary Zenaida Rotea graced the occasion and congratulated Baguio for setting up the center.

Cebu inmates' tribute to Michael Jackson
For minute updates follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Rotea said the center is only the second in the country. The first one is in La Union, which was also recently launched.

The center visualizes a womanhood based on dignity and role in the modern world.

It aims to promote Church teachings on womanhood, marriage and the family, to initiate and promote activities that foster greater solidarity among women for the advancement of Christian womanhood, to promote a culture of life and teach women responsible parenthood, to support the CBCP in promoting women's irreplaceable vocation, and to work for the enactment of laws and programs that promote the dignity of women.

Vicar General Monsignor Andres Cosalan Jr. said the diocese is very happy to receive the center.

He explained the center is a product of many initiatives by various religious groups and orders. "It is different from others because it aims to assist women and children in a Christian way."

Cosalan said there are many women and children who are victims of teenage pregnancy and premarital sex.

He called for a concerted effort between various agencies to solve this dominant problem.

He addressed the need for sex education in all levels in education, adding that there is a plan to come up with a module about sex education.

CBCP CWC Baguio Director Father Seraph Balmadres said the center's biggest function is to be a refuge for abused women and children.

He said the center will be a place where these people can share their problems. "There will be professional assistance, family counselors, couple counselors, and spiritual directors who will help victims."

Balmadres explained they also have lawyers who will represent women and children if ever they pursue a case. The services of the lawyers will be free.

Balmadres added that they solicited the help of individuals who have survived abuses to be able to communicate well with victims.

"Victims are prone to divulge their experiences to people who can identify with them. The individuals also educate victims on what to do and encourage them to come out in the open." (Visha Calventas)