PH’s whole-of-nation strategy to end violence against children

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led the Philippine delegation at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, pledging to take a nation-wide approach to end the menace.

“The Philippines is committed to implementing a more robust child protection systems strategy in its legal and policy frameworks, with special attention to government coordination structures,” DSWD Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, Affiliated and Supervised Entities Elaine Fallarcuna said in a 2013 speech. he said. Global conference held in Bogota, Colombia, on Friday.

On the commitment to intervention and support services for children, the Philippine government is committed to institutionalizing multidisciplinary teams in all cities, municipalities and public hospitals nationwide by 2030, the DSWD said on Saturday.

“Each multidisciplinary team will consist of doctors, police officers, workers, lawyers, and other professionals and service providers who will intervene and manage all cases of violence against children with a trauma-informed approach,” Fallarcuna said.

In terms of foster care and adoption services, the Philippine government will increase the number of foster families to at least 10 per joint child placement agencies in municipalities, cities, and provinces.

By 2030, the Philippine government is committed to promoting adoption by processing domestic adoption petitions within nine months of application.

The Philippine government has also committed to strengthening the rights of children, especially child victim-survivors, to meaningful participation by requiring the inclusion of a significant number of children in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of policies concerning them at the national and local levels.

On the issue of commitment to human, financial and infrastructural resources, Fallarcuna said the Philippines will ensure that at least 3 percent of the general fund is allocated to child protection programs, especially in an item that will be monitored through different sectors. Annual budget increases from 2024 to 2030.

“This will ensure that resources for child protection programs are appropriately identified, allocated and not diverted,” he said.

The Philippine government will also “develop a comprehensive and more robust child protection systems strategy with a particular focus on institutions of learning, including the development of child protection experts in national legislation, administrative regulations, and local legislation.”

Recognizing the need to relieve financial stress on parents, Fallarcuna said the Philippine government will provide parent and caregiver support through economic or income enhancement programs as well as evidence-based parenting sessions to educate parents or caregivers and encourage them instead of corporal punishment. through non-violent discipline techniques.

The Philippine government will contribute to creating a safe digital environment for children by developing a strategic plan to combat Online Sexual Exploitation and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Exploitation and Exploitation Materials to be implemented in 2025.