The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in a statement on Saturday, Nov. 25, stressed the importance of continuously advocating for the rights and welfare of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs).
The DSWD, through its attached agency, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), successfully concluded the week-long celebration of the 12th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week (JJWeek).
The week-long celebration culminated on Friday, Nov. 24, at the Prince Hotel in Ermita, Manila, under the theme "Nourishing Dreams, Shaping Futures: Ensuring the Right to Health and Well-being of All Children."
During the event, DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASAs) Atty. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar emphasized the need to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of CICLs and to ensure they have access to the necessary support and opportunities to reintegrate into society.
"Remember that the journey towards ensuring the right to health and well-being of all children is ongoing. It requires an unwavering commitment, continuous learning, and a collective determination to overcome challenges," she said.
"The job never ends. Let us carry the torch of advocacy, empathy, and empowerment to our daily lives," Villar added.
Arnold Canto, a Project Development Officer of DSWD Calabarzon and former CICL, shared his personal story of transformation and rehabilitation.
"To my family members in the DSWD, JJWC, and our stakeholders, this is all I ask of you: do not give up on the children who need your help because if you give up, just look at me. If there are people not like you, where are we to go? Even though CICLs are stubborn and hard-headed, they need your protection, love, and acceptance," he said.
He also urged social workers and stakeholders to never give up on CICLs and to provide them with the love, support, and acceptance they need to thrive.
Highlighting the creative talents of Filipino youth, the event also featured the awarding of the winners of the "Songs of Journey and Hope: A Songwriting Competition." The competition showcased original songs composed by children and youth residing in Youth Care Facilities.
Moreover, the event concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Universidad De Manila (UDM), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) for hosting on-campus orientations about the JJWA.
The JJWeek is an annual event held every Nov. 4, coinciding with the National Children's Month (NCM) celebration.