Manila: The Antique provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), has been providing local government units with technical assistance in managing 239 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children-at-Risk (CAR).
According to Philippines News Agency, during the culmination activity for the National Children's Month at the City Mall in San Jose de Buenavista on Friday, Provincial Administrator Robin Rubinos said that they are working hand-in-hand with the 18 local government units in looking at the welfare of the 177 CICL and the 62 CAR. CICL are individuals below 18 years old who have engaged with the justice system due to their alleged criminal activities, while CAR are those at risk due to abuse or neglect.
The technical assistance aims to enhance the capacity of LGUs in ensuring proper management and rehabilitation of children under their care, while upholding their rights and promoting their welfare. Among those they assisted are the 100 beneficiaries covered by the Strategic Help Desks for Information, Education and other Developmental in six municipalities.
'Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the beneficiaries received PHP2,500 per child for the first and second semesters of 2024,' Rubinos said. The beneficiaries used the amount to purchase their school needs. It is also one way of keeping them in school.
The provincial government also maintains a Pagsapupo Center serving as a temporary shelter for abused women and children. 'Right now, there are 24 clients, with ages ranging from six to 30 years old, who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, battering, and homeless at the Pagsapupo Center,' Rubinos said.
Rubinos said the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children ensures the welfare, protection, and rights of children at the provincial level. 'This council plays a vital role in creating a safe and child-friendly environment in the province,' he said. The PCPC, chaired by Gov. Paolo Everardo Javier and a multisectoral collaboration, conducted a child representative election and crafted policies for the protection and empowerment of children in Antique.
