The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing child protection efforts during the Regional Meeting of Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) in the Asia-Pacific.

Speaking on behalf of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the Policy and Plans Group, who represented the Philippine government at the meeting held Wednesday at the Manila Hotel, discussed the agency’s initiatives to protect children from all forms of violence. One of the key programs highlighted was the development of a 10-hectare agricultural rehabilitation camp for children in conflict with the law (CICL).

“In addition to our programs and services, we aim to intensify our rehabilitation and reintegration programs for the children in conflict with the law,” Sulit said. “The facility will serve as a forward-looking rehabilitation and learning hub, where children in conflict with the law can acquire livelihood skills and rebuild their futures in a nurturing and restorative environment, thereby preventing the cycle of violence.”

The facility will be established in partnership with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, the Bureau of Corrections, and the Department of Justice.

Secretary Gatchalian’s message emphasized the agency’s ongoing initiatives, particularly the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, which assists survivor-victims of human trafficking through rescue, recovery, and reintegration.

To combat child labor, the DSWD continues to implement the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Against Child Labor Program, which has assisted more than 12,000 minors since 2021.

The DSWD also highlighted the Pag-Abot Program, which has reached nearly 1,200 children living on the streets since its launch in 2023.

Recognizing that poverty and malnutrition increase vulnerabilities to abuse, the agency is strengthening social protection programs, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Supplementary Feeding Program, to support family welfare and reduce risks.

“With the 4Ps and the Supplementary Feeding Program, we are addressing not only the abuse that children experience, but also the social and economic conditions that render them vulnerable in the first place,” Sulit said.

The Department is also intensifying its campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, partnering with LGUs and private sector allies such as Meta Philippines to curb the online sale and exploitation of minors.

“The Philippines is fully committed to the Pathfinding Global Alliance’s call for transformative cross-sectoral action. We are ready to share what works for us and are eager to learn from your experiences and best practices,” Sulit added.