Committed to building safe environments for children and ensuring their rights are upheld, Good Neighbors Philippines has launched Project WE CAN: Working for an Effective Child Protection Unit in Gigmoto, Catanduanes.
Despite the Philippines’ laws and efforts to protect children, challenges in safeguarding their rights remain. Based on the records of the Council for the Welfare of Children as revealed by Executive Director Angelo Tapeles, there were 17,600 child abuse cases in the Philippines in 2023 with a significant portion of these cases involved violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act (RA 7610). In Catanduanes, concerns have grown regarding cases of abuse, with minors making the majority of victims. To address these alarming issues, the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) was established to strengthen the protection and welfare of children in the community.
Through continued support, collaboration, and awareness, Gigmoto is determined to create a safer, more nurturing environment for its children. This commitment has given rise to Project WE CAN.
With Project WE CAN, Good Neighbors Philippines aims to support the establishment and strengthening of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in Gigmoto. This initiative is built on a ₱600,000 grant provided by the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation (HLAF) to help the local government construct a CPU hub. The hub will feature essential facilities such as a play area, therapy room, and temporary shelter for victims and their families.
One of the key challenges is ensuring the CPU hub operates effectively. This includes developing a Manual of Operation (MOP), training CPU staff, and continuously monitoring the program. With the support of Good Neighbors Philippines, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and other local partners, the CPU hub will provide crucial services to children in need.
The project has other interventions to ensure that the CPU hub can provide crucial services to children in need. This includes developing a Manual of Operation, training CPU staff, and continuously monitoring the program.
The preparation and implementation of this project will take place from March 2024 to March 2025, with the goal of reaching its full operational capacity by the end of this period. Once completed, it aims to benefit nearly 10,000 community members, including 979 sponsored children and 887 sponsored families. By coming together as a community, we can build a safer future for the children of Gigmoto and ensure their protection and well-being.
Key Outcomes of Project WE CAN:
- Functional Child Protection Unit Hub: A safe space for children and their families
- Capacitated Staff: Training and capacity-building for the staff of the CPU and the Municipal Development Team (MDT)
Together, let us create communities where every child feels safe, protected, and empowered.
