The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) celebrates the 2nd Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week on October 20-27, with the theme: “Mayaman Ka Sa Karapatan, Bata Sagot Kita Dyan!”

This year’s theme reflects the continued efforts of the government to protect the rights of Filipino children and youth, especially  children in conflict with the law (CICL).

The week-long event kicks-off with a symbolic “Walk for Awareness” on October 20, 2013, 6:00 am at the Quezon Memorial Circle, followed by a flashmob participated in by youths from schools in Quezon City, DSWD, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and the National Youth Commission (NYC).

The JJWC Walk for Awareness is open to the public. Various national government agencies, non-government organizations and local government units will also participate in the walk.

“The event is an opportune time to advocate and popularize Republic Act 10630, an Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines, amending for the purpose Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act (JJWA),” DSWD Secretary and JJWC Chairperson Corazon Juliano-Soliman stated.

The amended JJWA provides for the establishment of a comprehensive and effective intervention program for children who committed serious crimes particularly those below the minimum age of criminal liability. It also stipulates changes in administrative supervision and council membership.

Another salient provision includes the creation of Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committees (RJJWC) and Regional JJWC Secretariats and the identification of additional members from the Department of Health and from the Leagues of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities and Barangays.

Secretary Soliman  explained that with these provisions, the  JJWC is confident that there will be strengthened coordination among stakeholders and firmer implementation of RA 10630.

“We are all duty bearers. Each of us must make a stand and adhere towards protection of children and youth, including children at risk and children in conflict with the law (CICL). We can begin by being involved and informed,” Secretary Soliman stressed.  

Presidential Proclamation no. 489 which has been signed by President Aquino on October 11, 2012 declared the fourth week of October as the Juvenile Justice Welfare Week in line with the annual celebration of National Children’s Month in October. ###