Barangay Council for the Protection of Children
In 2007 barangay Fatima, San Jose and Tambler signaled alarming problems with Children at risk (CAR) and in conflict with law (CICL). Child prostitution cases were common. Local authorities registered cases of theft by juvenile delinquents. Gang riots and stow away cases were common as well as non-schooling goers and drop-outs. The Philippine government has a body to look into the affairs of children specifically on the barangay level, that is the Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC). These though existing in the three barangays were not active. Furthermore, many cases were reported by witnesses of ill-handling of children by authorities.
Pasali began its work in 2009 with the goal to aid the local government to reestablish the BCPC, and in that year the BCPCs of all three barangays were revived and strengthened with knowledge of child rights, proper care and handling of cases. In year one, Pasali faced the half-hearted attitude of local government officials in promoting child rights and welfare and a ubiquitous lack of knowledge of children’s rights, proper care of children, and knowledge of the real issues in communities. Year 2 saw slight change among others increased proper handling and execution of procedures, application of grassroots mobilization, and coordination among authority units. With BCBC efforts, the committee on education now provides primary and secondary education scholarships particularly to Moro and indigent students. Basic social services - mandated by government but formerly unavailable - became available such as prenatal checkups and facility-based birth delivery, immunization, provision of vitamins and medicines to indigent children, schoolbased conduct of deworming and feeding programs for daycare students.
By the 3rd project year, child-related Barangay ordinances and resolutions were passed, like those prohibiting minor children scavengers, all businesses to sell liquor, cigarettes, and solvents (rugby) to minors, all junkshop and video-k houses to accept minor workers in their establishments, and minor children (16 years old below) to enter internet cafés during class hours without supervision of adults.
In the past two years the CAR and CICL cases decreased. Barangays now offer their own scholarships are now in Barangay Fatima. And barangays have counseling and occupational therapy through social services for CICL. After persistent lobbying, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) allotted the 5% of barangays’ Internal Revenue for the BCPC.
Pasali began its work in 2009 with the goal to aid the local government to reestablish the BCPC, and in that year the BCPCs of all three barangays were revived and strengthened with knowledge of child rights, proper care and handling of cases. In year one, Pasali faced the half-hearted attitude of local government officials in promoting child rights and welfare and a ubiquitous lack of knowledge of children’s rights, proper care of children, and knowledge of the real issues in communities. Year 2 saw slight change among others increased proper handling and execution of procedures, application of grassroots mobilization, and coordination among authority units. With BCBC efforts, the committee on education now provides primary and secondary education scholarships particularly to Moro and indigent students. Basic social services - mandated by government but formerly unavailable - became available such as prenatal checkups and facility-based birth delivery, immunization, provision of vitamins and medicines to indigent children, schoolbased conduct of deworming and feeding programs for daycare students.
By the 3rd project year, child-related Barangay ordinances and resolutions were passed, like those prohibiting minor children scavengers, all businesses to sell liquor, cigarettes, and solvents (rugby) to minors, all junkshop and video-k houses to accept minor workers in their establishments, and minor children (16 years old below) to enter internet cafés during class hours without supervision of adults.
In the past two years the CAR and CICL cases decreased. Barangays now offer their own scholarships are now in Barangay Fatima. And barangays have counseling and occupational therapy through social services for CICL. After persistent lobbying, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) allotted the 5% of barangays’ Internal Revenue for the BCPC.
Interview with James Marcillana
Barangay Secretary, Fatima, General Santos City
Barangay Secretary, Fatima, General Santos City
Purok Council for the Protection of Children
Besides the BCPC, Pasali Children’s Desk also facilitated the establishment of the Purok Council for the Protection of Children (PCPCs) for 16 puroks, a community support structures which monitors children’s access to education and health services. It further provides venue for children to be heard and for their concerns to be addressed. Since the formation of PCPCs, parents and community leaders became aware of the rights of the children and no cases of children stealing and begging in nearby firm or in public places have been reported.
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Pasali Philippines Foundation, 2005-2011 | Registered non-profit SEC CN200525083 | TIN 005-979-086 Telephone (+83) 826-0008 | Email pasaliphilippines@yahoo.com.ph | Door 8, 2nd Floor WL Bldg., Nat'l Highway, Prk. Veterans, Brgy. Calumpang, General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines | Support our work
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