LCPC MEMBERS GATHER FOR A 2-DAY CAPACITY BUILDING ON CHILD PROTECTION

Child protection and welfare in Manolo Fortich

In its vision to enhance child protection in the municipality, members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich underwent a 2-day Capacity Building that studies child protection initiatives last September 19 to 20, 2024 at the Apple Tree Resort and Hotel, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

Organized firsthand by the Municipal Social Welfare & Development Office (MSWDO) headed by MSWD Officer Maria Cecilia C. Sajonia, MSWD explains that the plight of the digital space can cause a negative influence on children, “Dili nato ikalimod nga ang atong mga kabataan karon, they have more time in the digital world. Naa na gyud ni halos tanan sa ila. They navigate through this virtual reality pero wala ta kabalo nga at risk diay sila. They are in danger for online sexual abuse and exploitation.”

In addition, Sajonia also shares that the Capacity Building will focus its modules on understanding national mandates on child protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation, “As the Local Council for the Protection of Children, we have this mission and challenge to be 3 steps ahead sa atong mga kalaban nga ma safeguard nato ang atong nga kabataan.”

Additionally, the LCPC Capacity Building talks about (1) Key Child Protection Laws and Policies, (2) Understanding Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act (R.A. 11930) and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (R.A. 9208), (3) Highlights on the Protocol of Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation, (4) Services under Recovery and Reintegration Program of Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) of the DSWD Field Office 10, and (5) Orientation on Foster Care and Adoption.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 (DSWD 10) Executive Assistant Atty. Jamenah Marie M. Balindong and Social Welfare Officer Honey Grace P. Mendoza, RSW, along with Regional Alternative Child Care Office 10 (RACCO 10) Social Welfare Officer Christine Escudero served as resource speakers to 17 participating members of the LCPC.

More so, Committee Chairperson on Women, Family Relation, and Child Care Coun. Joy L. Cordovez concludes the Capacity Building with possible ordinances proposal designed for child protection in the municipality against digital abuse. She also urges that such initiative is to be made consistently, “Beginning ni sa atong paghimo og mga palisiya ug ordinansa nga angay pangusgan ang protection not only sa atong mga kabatan-on but even sa mga kababaihan. Hinaot nga dili lang ni karon, pero ang LCPC ug magpadayon kita kanunay.”