The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday underlined the need to strengthen child protection during the Regional Meeting of Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children in the Asia-Pacific.

Speaking on behalf of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the Policy and Plans Group who represented the Philippines at the regional meeting held at the Manila Hotel on 12 November discussed DSWD’s initiatives to protect children from all forms of violence. 

One key initiative highlighted was the development of a 10-hectare agricultural rehabilitation camp for children in conflict with the law.

“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.

Hub for renewal

“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,” Sulit said.

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

Gatchalian’s message emphasized the DSWD’s ongoing initiatives, particularly the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons. This program offers support to victim-survivors of human trafficking, guiding them through the stages of rescue and recovery and helping them reintegrate into their families and communities.

To combat child labor, the Department continues to implement the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood and other Developmental Interventions Against Child Labor Program. 

Since 2021, the program has assisted over 12,000 minors.