BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) seeks to strengthen the protection of children especially during disasters or emergencies.
Members of the Regional Child Protection Working Group (RCPWG), the technical working group of the RSCWC met for for a two-day Capability Building and Planning Session at the DSWD Training Center here on April 27-28, 2023.
RSCWC secretariat Maricel Aquision said the activity aims to let the “members understand what is RCPWG and its roles and functions, to enhance the understanding on RA 10821 or the so-called Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, improve the knowledge about the Child Friendly Space (CFS) during emergency situations, and formulate a rolling work plan to be implemented by the committee.
Department of Social Welfare and Development-CAR Regional Director Leo Quintilla, in his message, thanked the RCPWG for convening to further strengthen the programs for children especially during disasters. He underlined that children also play an important role in disaster response, rehabilitation and recovery while putting first their needs during disaster or emergency.
“We want also to hear children in disaster response. We also need to value children in rehabilitation and recovery. If we do planning, always be reminded of the cycle – preparedness, impact, recovery, rehabilitation. COVID-19 man ‘yan, bagyo man ‘yan, earthquake man ‘yan, let’s put ang pangangailangan ng mga bata,” he said.
Quintilla also emphasized the establishment of Child Friendly Space and the possible creation of a Family-Based Disaster Plan for better management within households during disasters.
Aiza Cabrera of the Council for the Welfare of Children discussed about the National and Regional CPWG. She stressed that the RCPWG serves as the central coordinating body of all child protection activities in the regions. It is also responsible in providing strategic direction and leadership to ensure that child protection is regarded as a priority concern in times of emergencies, she added.
DSWD-CAR Social Welfare Officer II Johnny Bumakil discussed the salient features of the RA 10821 emphasizing the need for the formulation of a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children.
Meanwhile, Marcela Donaal of the Child Fund Philippines oriented the RCPWG on the CFS in Emergency Situations. She initiated workshops for the members to better understand the CFS.
Members of the RCPWG are representatives of various government agencies and service providers or civil society organizations. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR
