The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called on all local government units (LGUs) to prioritize the protection of children and strictly monitor the cases of abuse against them during this time of pandemic crisis.
The DSWD, which chairs the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), cited the critical role of the LGUs in protecting the children, as the nation celebrates the 28th National Children’s Month this November.
"The DSWD urges all local government units, through the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), to be vigilant in monitoring cases of child abuse in their respective jurisdictions, particularly during this pandemic,” it said in a statement.
It noted that the LCPC serves as the lead implementing arm of the National Strategic Framework Plan Development for Children in the local level.
"The LCPC partners with LGUs in crafting plans, programs, and activities in creating secure, healthy, and child-friendly communities,” the Department said.
As chairman of the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), the DSWD also stressed that the safety of children even inside their homes in this time of pandemic should be closely monitored.
The Department also called on the public to be "to be vigilant and immediately report to the authorities all forms of abuses against children through the following the communication channels: the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) Hotline (02) 8931-9141 or send text message Text DSWD <space> blockchildporn<space> URL address and send to 2327or Text blockchildporn <space> URL address and send to 0918-9122813.
"The Department affirms its commitment to uphold the welfare of Filipino children through the Department’s various programs, services, and policies, and strengthened coordination with partner-agencies, non-government organizations, and LGUs,” it said.
Apart from DSWD, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and National Youth Commission (NYC) also serve as lead agencies for the NCM celebration, as provided for under Republic Act 10661.
Section 3 of RA 10661 designates DSWD, CWC, and NYC as lead agencies in the preparation and implementation of an annual program of activities to observe the NCM.
This year’s celebration focuses on upholding the rights of children during the COVID-19 pandemic with the theme, “Sama-samang Itaguyod ang Karapatan ng Bawat Bata sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”