In line with Camalig Local Chief Executive, Hon. Carlos “Caloy” Irwin G. Baldo, Jr.’s mandate to safeguard the welfare of children and women, members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking & Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) convened today at the Mayor’s Office conference room, 3rd flr., Mytallic Bldg., Camalig Municipal Hall.

 

LCPC Secretariat, Ms. Chyrel San Andres, highlighted the council’s key initiatives including technical assistance for Special Education (SPED) learners, provision of early support for children, and other various intervention priorities aimed at bolstering child protection mechanisms in the town. Ms. San Andres also encouraged members to submit their proposals for 2024, purposely to ensure a continuous and proactive approach to child welfare and protection.

 

Ms. April Sabdao, RSW of the Municipal Social Welfare & Development Office (MSWDO) also relayed updates on the Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) audit, noting that they have completed the required modes of verifications (MOVs) for all 4 fundamental rights of children—development, protection, and participation, excluding survival.

 

LCPC also approved a resolution implementing the Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLGIP) for 2024 to 2026, a program that aims to promote a holistic approach to juvenile intervention, with the end goal of preventing delinquency, rehabilitate children in conflict with the law, and reintegrate them as productive and law-abiding residents of the community.

 

The LCAT-VAWC presented recent accomplishments, including the successful execution of an 18-day campaign to raise awareness on violence against women and children, informative lectures, leadership trainings, distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, and psychosocial activities for vulnerable sectors.

 

Ms. Sabdao further relayed a summary of VAWC cases from January 1 to March 18, 2024, reporting 7 cases under Republic Act No. 9262, 13 cases under RA 7610, and 0 cases under RA 9344. A comprehensive response involving psychosocial interventions, medical assistance, counseling, transportation assistance, and referrals to partner agencies was provided for the victims.

 

The meeting concluded with Ms. Meriam Nocillado of the Public Employment & Service Office (PESO), announcing a notable decrease in child laborers in Camalig, from 317 to 167, due to the council’s strategies and commitment to eliminate child labor in the town.