DILG helps set up local councils for child protection

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government has helped set up Local Councils for the Protection of Children in 24,093 barangays, 54 provinces, 101 cities and 963 municipalities nationwide as of the first semester of 2009.

DILG Secretary Renato Puno said that the program is aimed at heightening the campaign to uphold the welfare and rights of the minors.

In a statement to The FREEMAN, the DILG said it has conducted seminars for barangay officials, mayors and other local chief executives on setting up and strengthening these councils and make them effective instruments in promoting children’s rights and implementing child-friendly programs.

Article 87 of Presidential Decree No. 603 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code as well as Section 15 of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 provide for the establishment of the LCPCs down to the barangay level.

The DILG has issued guidelines to monitor the functionality of LCPCs in all local government units nationwide.

Besides facilitating the establishment of LCPCs, the DILG also called on local chief executives to support its training initiatives on the barangay human rights program, which seeks to empower vulnerable sectors like women and children in pursuing justice through heightened awareness about their basic rights and the country’s judicial system.

The DILG likewise ordered the establishment of Women and Children Protection Desks in every Philippine National Police municipal station to help victims of exploitation and abuse.

There are now 1,830 WCPDs in police stations nationwide. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM