The role of the barangay Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) desk in addressing gender-based violence and its service efficiency level: Basis for proposed action plan

This study aimed to examine the correlation between the profile of barangay Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk officers—including age, educational attainment, years of experience, and training hours—and their role performance in relation to the service efficiency of barangay VAWC desks in four municipalities in Laguna, Philippines. The variables under investigation included the officers demographic and professional profiles, role performance, and the service efficiency of VAWC desks measured across accessibility, quality, and effectiveness. Conducted during academic year 2024-2025, the study hypothesized that the role performance of barangay VAWC officers and their profiles significantly influenced service efficiency. Statistical treatments such as correlation analysis and regression modeling were employed, with attention to potential multicollinearity effects among variables. The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. Data were collected through a validated survey-questionnaire administered to 99 respondents, comprising barangay VAWC desk officers, barangay chairpersons, and VAWC desk clients selected through purposive sampling. Statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentage distribution, weighted mean, Pearsons r, and multiple regression were utilized to analyze the data and test the relationships among the study variables. Findings revealed that barangay VAWC officers are mostly middle-aged, have completed secondary education or some college, and have limited experience and training. While their role performance and service efficiency were both rated very high, only specific aspects of role performance, such as confidentiality, case documentation, and abuse interventions, significantly correlated with service outcomes. However, the overall findings indicate no significant general relationship between role performance and service efficiency. Additionally, while certain profile attributes influenced particular performance dimensions, these effects were not widespread or uniform. Thus, the null hypothesis was largely retained. The study recommends continuous training for officers, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and further research into other potential determinants of VAWC desk service efficiency.