Davao City – Children’s rights advocates from both government and non-government organizations are still pushing for the approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Children’s Welfare Code.
City Councilor Leah Librado admitted during Thursday’s i-Speak forum that the IRR approval has been delayed because “it does not only involve the implementation but also the budget.”
“The IRR is ready for approval since my first year in the council. It was endorsed for signature during the time of former Mayor Sara Duterte. Unfortunately it was not included in the priorities,” Librado said.
Under the amended Children’s Code, the IRR is needed for the creation of the Special Office on Children’s Concerns which will look into all issues affecting the children in the city.
Librado, however, is not sure if there is already a budget. “We are actually appealing nga mabutangan og budget kay dugay-dugay na pud ang Children’s Code,” she said.
While Kaugmaon, a child rights organization in the city, also encourages the parents to study the laws on children.
The city is now geared towards the national celebration of Children’s Month this October. The theme for this year is “Bata, Kasali ka; Ikaw ay Mahalaga.”
There will be 80 youth, most of whom are child laborers who will be participating in the barangay-level children’s congress on October 11 which will be held at the MTRC Building, Davao Medical School Foundation Compound.
Kaugmaon expressed their gratitude for the recognition of the barangays about the issue of child labor. “Mapasalamaton kami nga ang mga barangay nirekognisa niini nga isyu ug apil na ang mga child laborers sa ilang programa,” said Florie May Tacang, Kaugmaon’s Executive Director.
Tacang added that it would be best if barangay officials will join the Children’s Congress for them to assess the implementation of the Children’s Welfare Code.
Librado said that this year they are starting the Children’s Congress from the barangay-level.
“Karong bulana ipahigayon nato ang Barangay Children’s Congress kay katong una nag-diretso man ta og city-wide,” Librado said.
She added that social workers including those from City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) have undergone a training for the facilitation of the barangay children’s congress.
“By October dapat mahuman ang Barangay Children’s Congress sa tanang barangay then come November mao na ang city-wide. At least kung naay barangay children’s congress mismo sa ilahang community kabalo na ta kung unsa ang ilahang panginahanglan ug kung unsa ang ilahang mulo,” Librado added. (davaotoday.com)
