San Remigio: The Commission on Human Rights in Western Visayas (CHR 6) has called upon child development workers (CDWs) in the province of Antique to take on the role of protection advocates for children. Christopher Monta±o, the chief of the Human Rights Promotion Division at CHR 6, emphasized the importance of CDWs in reminding local councils for the protection of children (LCPC) to enforce laws that safeguard the welfare of children.

According to Philippines News Agency, Monta±o, who also serves as the vice chair of the sub-committee for the welfare of children under the Regional Development Council, delivered this message during the CDW Congress held at the San Remigio Evacuation Center in San Remigio, Antique. He urged CDWs to act as the conscience and voice for child protection, highlighting the need for the councils at barangay, municipal, and provincial levels to be fully operational in implementing laws such as the Presidential Decree 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code, and Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

The Child and Youth Welfare Code ensures the care, basic needs, education, and legal protection of children, while the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act offers intervention or diversion programs for children-at-risk or those in conflict with the law. Monta±o noted that Republic Act 9344 is an effective tool that provides these children, who may be 18 years old or older with mental, physical, and emotional challenges, options for intervention rather than punishment.

He identified children at risk or in conflict with the law as victims of circumstances such as abuse, dysfunctional families, and unsupportive communities. The intervention or diversion programs help serve as child protection measures in these situations.

In a separate interview, Joenard Juales, President of the CDW Antique Federation, expressed readiness to meet the challenge. He affirmed their commitment to advocating for child protection laws and supporting children through their initiatives.