Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to kickstart its latest initiative, dubbed PEACE Project for children involved in armed conflict (CIAC), in Northern Mindanao and Davao Region within the second quarter this year. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said Monday the project employs a comprehensive and whole-of-society approach to address the needs of the CIAC in line with the thrust of the Marcos administration to ensure that all sectors in need are included in the development initiatives of the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PEACE Project aims to protect and safeguard the rights and welfare of the CIAC using child-sensitive approaches that are based on the rights of the child. The initial target beneficiaries of the project are the CIAC who were rescued or referred by the local social welfare and development offices.

Dumlao noted that families of the CIAC will also be provided with interventions to ensure a comprehensive and family-based approach. Under the project, the beneficiaries will be given a comprehensive intervention through the risk-based case management strategy on desensitization and rehabilitation.

The project will also conduct peace-promoting education for families and communities. Part of the project is the conduct of activities to raise awareness about the CIAC and the importance of protecting children from being placed in situations of armed conflict, as well as protecting them from stigmatization.