DILG, World Vision to promote children’s welfare

Monday, January 16, 2012

DILG, World Vision to promote children’s welfare

by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- To promote children’s welfare by further enhancing the functionality of the local council for the protection of children (LCPC) in the communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the World Vision Development Foundation inked a memorandum of agreement over the weekend.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and World Vision executive director Elnora Avarientos signed the memorandum of agreement that aims to pursue a capacity building and participation program that will enhance the effectiveness and functionality of the LCPC.

The signing ceremony was held at the DILG Central Office building in Quezon City, witnessed by DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, National Barangay Operations Office Director Virgilio Castro, and World Vision Public Engagement director Filomena Portales.

World Vision is a child-focused, development, relief and advocacy organization dedicated to alleviating the plight of children, families and communities, particularly those in depressed areas and depressed and disaster-affected communities nationwide.

Robredo said that the DILG and World Vision share the same vision of promoting the best interest of children by creating an environment that is caring and safe for children to develop their full potential.

"To help us achieve this objective, we need to ensure the effectiveness and functionality of our LCPCs in order to have a caring environment for children and uphold their welfare," he said.

Article 87 of Presidential Decree No. 603 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code, as well as Section 15 of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, mandate the establishment of the LCPCs down to the barangay level.

Records from the NBOO show that at present, there are 5,169 LCPCs (37 provinces, 66 cities, 307 municipalities and 4,759 barangays) with ideal functionality that work for the advancement of children’s rights and welfare at the local level.

Under the project, World Vision shall collaborate with the DILG on the development and execution of a Barangay Council for the Protection of Children training program in World Vision- assisted areas, as well as coordinate and assist the Department in all activities required in the implementation of the project, including logistical and technical support.

It shall also identify its staff and partners who will undergo the BCPC training of trainers, and share in the LCPC/BCPC training costs where it operates through its Area Development Programs.

On the other hand, the DILG is tasked to develop a program of activities and provide resource persons in the conduct of LCPC capability training activities for World Vision staff and partners, and work with World Vision in the monitoring of BCPC in areas where the organization has programs.

"We welcome the partnership and support of World Vision in this effort of ensuring the well-being of our children," Robredo said. (DILG/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)

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