With the theme “Bata ay gabayan, batas sa Juvenile Justice bigyang daan,” the observance highlighted the roles of different sectors on the prevention of juvenile delinquency and rehabilitation and reintegration programs for children in conflict with the law (CICLs).
The said observance is in accordance to Proclamation No. 489 signed by President Benigno Aquino III in October 2012 for mainstreaming awareness and consciousness of the public on the rights of every youth and child, including children-at-risk and CICLs.
During the region’s culminating activity held in Cavite National High School in Maragondon town in Cavite Province last October 27, DSWD IV-A Regional Director Leticia T. Diokno, who is also the chair of the RJJWC, emphasized the roles of different sectors, particularly the teachers, in promoting the welfare of the children and the youth.
“Edukasyon ang kailangan para mailayo ang mga kabataan sa mga hindi magagandang gawain. Kaya malaki ang role ninyong mga guro para mapangalagaan ang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan,” shared Dir. Diokno in her message to the teachers.
Dir. Diokno also added that this activity is a means to encourage students to veer away from vices and instead engage on other activities such as sports and arts.
During the activity, which was participated by local government units, teachers and high school students, an orientation was conducted on the Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which entails polices on protecting the rights of children at risk and CICLs.
A poster-making contest was also conducted in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). Winners include Aaron Milca Jeus Dudas from Lucena City (1st place), Erwin Tuberio from Lipa City (2nd place) and John Romeo Frias from Dasmariñas City (3rd place).
The RJJWC is chaired by the regional office of the DSWD and composed of representatives from Department of Justice, DepEd, Department of Interior and Local Government, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Health, two representatives from non-government organizations, one sectoral representative from the children or youth sector, and one representative from the League of Provinces, Cities / Municipalities / Barangays of the Philippines. The council’s main function is overseeing the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.# with reports from JBanate