DSWD supports campaign to boost Anti-Child Marriage Law implementation
In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) Campaign, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joined the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) in calling for greater unity in the implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (PCM) Law.
With the theme "Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG)," the Nov. 30 event served as a venue to highlight how everyone can and should contribute to dismantling the culture of violence that continues to impede the development and improve the quality of life of women and girls.
The DSWD led the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 11596, also known as "An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof," in December 2022.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized in a message delivered by Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies Elaine Fallarcuna that defending the rights of women and girls is a responsibility, not a choice.
“The DSWD, as the lead social protection agency, together with our partners in crafting the IRR of the PCM law, ensured that there are adequate programs for the children, such as legal and counseling services, access to health and psychological services, access to educational programs, provision of skills development and livelihood assistance, and other appropriate interventions to protect the victims of child marriage and their offspring, among others,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief also underscored the importance of collaboration among different organizations to achieve a VAWG-free Philippines.
“Yet, the path to a VAW-G-FREE future is challenging. It requires collaboration, dedication, and a shared understanding that the well-being of women and children is a reflection of the strength of our society,” he pointed out.
“Thus, today's event, hosted by the PLCPD exemplifies the power of collective action. It serves as a venue where legislators, advocates, and stakeholders converge to forge policies that safeguard the rights of every child and woman,” he added.
Fallarcuna, who is also the chair of the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group during the crafting of the IRR of the PCM Law, served as panelist in the discussion on the updates, challenges, and opportunities regarding the implementation of the law, together with the representatives of the Bangsamoro Government and other government agencies such as the Philippine Commission on Women and Commission on Human Rights.
The panel discussion shed light on the current situation of the implementation of the PCM Law underscoring the importance of information dissemination and advocacy campaign for the community to be aware that there is already an existing law prohibiting child marriage.