Lack of information dissemination. The groups cited lack of information dissemination as a major cause for the limited awareness of the communities on the relevant laws. In CAR, it was observed that despite the clarity of the law, problem arises because of the ineffective and inefficient information dissemination. Even local government employees, who are aware of the existence of the laws, lack orientation, important updates, and knowledge of implementing rules. Lack of awareness is more severe in remote areas. Participants from Regions 10 and 12 point out that women, especially IPs and those living in the far-flung areas, are not fully aware of laws such as anti-VAWC and MCW. As observed by a participant from CAR, even NGOs and other independent advocates against VAW rarely go to remote rural areas to conduct awareness-raising activities. In Region 7, it was recommended that barangay legal clinics and paralegal trainings be undertaken to improve community members’ awareness of relevant laws. This was also suggested in NCR, where participants claimed that any awareness they have on VAW and discrimination was obtained through internet and television, and seminars are necessary to enhance their knowledge. On the other hand, participants from Regions 1, 4, 8, and 10 representing 26.66% of the regional FGDs, claimed that in general, they are aware of the relevant laws in cases of VAW, enumerating laws such as Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262); (2) Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (RA 9208); (3) Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act of 1992 (RA 7610); (4) Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710); (5) Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877); (6) Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA 9775); (7) Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8353); and (8) the proposed House Bill “An Act Penalizing Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity”. They cited attending seminars, barangay forums, radio and TV programs, as the means by which they acquired information, specifically in Region 8. Still, it was stressed that while they have general knowledge about the laws, they need more detailed information regarding the provisions of the laws. 49