The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its attached agency, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that children in conflict with the law (CICLs) are protected, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into their communities as responsible and productive individuals.

“We will ensure that no child is left behind, and that every child who has come in conflict with the law, as well as those who have been victims of violence, is given a second chance and hope for a brighter future,” Asst. Secretary Zabedin Azis of the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Group (LIAG) said at the 14th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week (JJWeek) press conference held in Quezon City.

Azis said the DSWD and JJWC have been helping local government units (LGUs) improve the operations of Bahay Pag-Asa (BPAs) nationwide.

“The DSWD, as chair of the JJWC, continues to support and provide technical assistance to LGUs to strengthen the operation of BPAs and ensure that these centers are safe, well-managed, and equipped to meet the children’s needs,” he said.

Azis also cited the ongoing agricultural camp (agricamp) infrastructure project in Palawan, which will serve as a rehabilitation intervention for CICLs.

“The agricamp is specifically intended for children who are serving their sentence and will be operated by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). The DSWD assisted in financing the construction because there is currently no existing facility designed for this purpose, and this measure helps prevent the mixing of children and adult persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are both serving their sentence,” he explained.

Azis reiterated the DSWD’s firm opposition to proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR).

“Together with the JJWC, the DSWD firmly believes that lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility is not the solution. Instead, we must strengthen rehabilitation efforts and support families and communities,” he pointed out.

During the media briefing, JJWC Deputy Executive Director Lilibeth Gallego presented evidence-based analysis explaining why lowering the MACR will not enhance public safety.

“Our data here in the Philippines indicate that many crimes involving children are driven by economic vulnerabilities and survival. For the past decade, theft, robbery, and drug-related violations have been consistently the top offenses pointing to circumstances, not age, as the root of this [offensive] behavior,” Gallego said.

Rather than punitive action, she emphasized the need for full and stricter implementation of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended. She highlighted the expansion of community-based preventive interventions, increased resources for residential rehabilitation for children, and stronger restorative justice mechanisms through improved victim assistance programs.

The press conference was held as part of the 14th JJWeek celebration from November 24 to 28, with the theme: “JJWA: Bata’y May Pananagutan, Gabay at Kalinga ang Kaagapay.” JJWeek is observed annually during the fourth week of November as part of National Children’s Month.