This year marks the seventh observance of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week with the theme, “Lipunan, Bata at Magulang, Sabay – sabay para sa Kaunlaran”. The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region in cooperation with the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council of NCR, aims to achieve the maximum involvement of the community, youth and their parents, on the continuous implementation of preventive programs and services for Children At-Risk and Children In Conflict with the Law.
On November 21st, the top three Most Proactive Local Government Units in the Implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 were recognized and commended. The Las Piñas City was named as the Top 3, while Muntinlupa City was named as the 2nd. The City Government of Valenzuela was hailed as the Most Proactive LGU implementing the JJWA.
Activities in line with the event also include an orientation on the Salient Features of the JJWA of 2006. One of the highlights of the celebration is the sharing of Ms. Michele Theresa Gumabao, Binibining Pilipinas-Globe 2018, on Educating the Youth on Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle: A Strategy to Keep Young People Away from Illegal Drugs and Substance Abuse. Ms. Gumabao emphasized the importance of positivity in life, guidance of parents, will to succeed and most especially strong spirituality. Mr. Edward Mallari, a former beneficiary of ACAY Missions Philippines shared how his life changed, from being a Child In Conflict with the Law (CICL) to being a rehabilitated child looking forward for a better future.
As part of the celebration, a song writing competition focusing on change and hope among children and on-the-spot poster making contest were held. Winners of the Song Writing Competition were children from Taguig, Navotas and Pasig City bagging the 3rd place, 2nd place and 1st place, respectively. While, Valenzuela, Pasay and Pasig City were awarded with top 1 to 3 for the poster making contest.
“Let us all be champions and advocates in achieving our goal of ending all forms of Violence Against Children. Through positive discipline, we are enabling our children to learn, grow and succeed through nonviolent and solution-focused approach based on child development principles and respectful of our child as learner” – Council for the Welfare of Children.###