Category Archives: Good Practice

Cagayan de Oro – Balaod Mindanaw, in partnership with the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, held a forum entitled “Criminalizing the Child: A Forum on Lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility” last September 29 at De Luxe Hotel.

This one-day forum was attended by over 100 participants coming from various organizations, city officials, and institutions in Cagayan de Oro City. As part of the coalition behind the #ChildrenNotCriminals campaign towards strengthening the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, this forum aims to gather the stand from different stakeholders and inform people of the importance of proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

It kicked off with the discussion of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act by Balaod Mindanaw Executive Director, Atty. Normie Batula, which also gave further recommendations on how to fully reinforce the law such as separating minors from adult criminals and giving separate and severe penalties for the syndicates and for adults coercing and using children.

After introducing the entire scope of the JJWA among the participants a representative from the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. gave an overview of the updates regarding the previously proposed amendments that seek to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) as well as the existing campaign to strengthen the law.

The first set of reactors was given the chance to address their position and statements regarding the topic. Atty. Irene Meso from the Regional Prosecutor Office of DOJ Region X opposes the lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 years old to 9. According to her, 9 years old is way too young and thinks that the law was not yet been fully implemented. Another member of the set of reactors is Mr. Sean Llenos, One CDO Convener of CSG Office from Xavier University also expressed his dismay with the notion to lower the MACR. The Dean of the College of Law of Xavier University, Atty. Sylvia Jo Sabio also shows her support in the campaign and said to first determine the best course of action to take before making some amendments. Lastly, Michael Christopher Fabello, Division Head, Center of Institutions, City Social Welfare Development Office disclosed some of the problems why the law was not yet been fully implemented such as the insufficient allocation of budget for the construction of Bahay Pag-Asa. Fabello also said that he is against the lowering of MACR.

Another set of reactors during the afternoon session also gave their stand on the issue. Teddy Sabuga Jr. OIC of the CSWDO discussed his stand and even cite examples which he said is one of the reasons why the children are getting involved in committing crimes. Yolanda Templa, a social worker of the Calabrian Children’s Foundation also showed her support for the campaign by sharing her experiences with the handling of children in the institution. Threjann Ace Noli, RSW MPA SWO IV, Division Chief of Social Protection, CSWD disclosed their move towards reinforcing the parental responsibility and they also oppose the lowering of MACR. The next member, CHR Atty. Roschelle B. Dagaraga-Bagas Attorney V and Hacelyn Barrero from RJJWC and representative of Councilor Reuben Daba, read statements coming from their respective offices which address support to the campaign.

The open forum formally started after all the reactors stated their opinions and support. A lot of questions were raised during the forum coming from the voices of different personalities and representatives of each organization including participants from youth organizations. The set of reactors managed to answer all the questions and concerns during the forum as well as other government officials who were present during the forum. A representative from BALAOD Mindanaw delivered the synthesis of the forum as well as the ways forward which were agreed by the attendees.

The launching of videos served as the finale of the forum. The two videos containing an infographic and a documentary of the life of a CICL were introduced to the participants which is a part of the video launching activity that was simultaneously done in different parts of the country. The communications officer of HLAF also took the opportunity to introduce other programs of the organization to the participants.

To show their support to the campaign, participants made statements of support for the campaign and take a photo opportunity together with the facilitators and organizers of the forum. This event was also covered by a local media network and even interviewed some of the participants about their stand on the issue.

In partnership with the NGO coalition behind the #ChildrenNOTCriminals campaign to strengthen the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. tapped different universities and organizations in Metro Manila, Region 1, Cagayan de Oro, Bicol, and Legaspi to conduct the video launching activity simultaneously last September 29.

Eight universities and partner organizations conducted the video launching activity in partnership with HLAF to extend their support to the advocacy campaign in strengthening the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. HLAF seized the chance to amplify the target audience of the campaign as well as to inform people about the importance of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Last September 29, BALAOD Mindanaw facilitated the forum entitled: “Criminalizing the Child: a Forum on Lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility” held in Cagayan de Oro. The one-day forum aimed to gather the stand of the participants from different organizations and government officials about the minimum age of criminal responsibility as well as the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in the city which served as the platform of HLAF to also incorporate the video launching activity which was attended by over a hundred participants.

On the other hand, Bicol University, UST-Legazpi, Universidad de Manila, and Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC) Region I participated in the simultaneous launching of the videos on the same date in their respective universities and offices which were attended by students and government officials who are inclined with the implementation of JJWA.

Each of the participating universities expressed their involvement in the campaign by making support statements and posted them on their social media accounts with hashtags #ChildrenNotCriminals #muntingtiniginyongpakinggan #kahitbataako #anongmagagawamo? #PagtibayinagJJWA.

Other participating organizations and universities like Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and Ateneo Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI) conducted the video launching activity on September 30 respectively. HLAF Communications Officer, Ma. Luisa Bautista together with Juanito VInluan, HLAF Paralegal officer facilitated the activity attended by the freshmen students from the College of Law.

OSCI has incorporated this video launching with the Focused Reintegration for Ex-Detainees (FRED) seminar of HLAF, which was one of the programs of the organization for ex-detainees. This was also attended by the law students of the same university.

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) participated in the campaign by including the activity on their forum about disaster preparedness which was attended by the junior and senior social work students from PLM and UDM which was held on Sept. 20.

The video launching in different areas in the Philippines will proceed accordingly to disseminate the campaign to strengthen the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

MALABON CITY – In order to give a lecture seminar to the youth of Malabon City, Barangay Children and Youth Association (BCYA) Federation conducted youth training about different children-related courses last September 9 – 10 and September 16 – 17 at Malabon City Hall.

Youth advocate, Thricia Mae Esguerra, discussed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as the opening topic. HLAF’s Senior Community Organizer, Ms. Claudette Almadin, RSW, then gave the Orientation of BCYA to enlighten the participants of the training why there’s a need to have such a youth organization.

One of the highlights of the youth training was when one of the youth advocates, Thricia Mae Esguerra, expressed her sentiments about how the recent happening regarding children and questioned the participants what children’s rights they did not enjoy? In her lecture, she quoted “Di na nila maabot ang potential nila bilang tao dahil sa murang edad di na nirespeto ang kanilang karapatang mabuhay. Lalong di na nila maipapaliwanag ang kanilang sarili.”

Also, present during the two-day youth training is HLAF’s Executive Director, Atty. Rommel Alim Abitria, tackling juvenile justice followed by Mr. Patrick Pangilinan to discuss Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression, Mr. Emjay Estacio talked about HIV Awareness and Prevention and Ms. Abigail Coladilla discussed leadership.

1. Three cities assemble for the first organized BCPC Kamustahan this 2017

July 20, 2017 – Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Federation from Quezon City, Malabon, and Navotas gathered for the first organized BCPC Kamustahan by the BCPC Federation of Malabon and Navotas this 2017 at Penthouse, Malabon City Hall.

The kumustahan was graced by the presence of Malabon City Mayor, Hon. Antolin Oreta III and Navotas City Liga President, Coun. Enrico Gino-Gino by giving special messages addressed to the BCPC members.

Mayor Oreta noted during his opening remarks that as the event was a kamustahan, he hoped that the participants will share openly their reports about their BCPCs. Also, Coun. Gino-Gino added during his address that through HLAF, they are thankful that the barangays finished the training through patience and the 13 barangays of Navotas was HLAF trained.

“The success of the community is through the help of the community, family, and school… for their development… we should always think the welfare of the children.” Coun. Gino-Gino said.

Quezon City District 2, Quezon City District 5, Navotas City BCPC Federation, and Malabon City BCPC Federation reported their activities, good stories, and best practices for the whole year. 

Coun. Peng Mañalac and Coun. Enzo Oreta also attended the said kamustahan and gave few words of encouragement to the participants.

“I hope that we protect the children, prevent them from vices… let’s continue to support projects for the children.” Coun. Enzo Oreta said.

Also, during the event, the Navotas BCPC Federation awarded Coun. Enrico Gino-Gino for his efforts and support to the activities and advocacies of the BCPC Federation.

The Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation (HLAF) Executive Director, Atty. Rommel Alim Abitria then called on stage to give closing remarks at the BCPC Kamustahan as he is commending the efforts and support of the BCPC members.

“I really appreciate the importance of the BCPC Federation… it strengthens the force of the BCPCs. Quezon City, Malabon City, and Navotas City proved the importance of BCPCs as they’re able to reason out with their Congressmen, Mayors, and Councils about BCPCs and child protection. Capacitating BCPCs is essential as it gives strength to your voice as advocates…” Atty. Abitria said.

The kamustahan ended with a photo opportunity for the participants.

The masters of the ceremony are Brgy. Concepcion Sec. Eduardo Antoja Jr. and Brgy. Daanghari Sec. Charisse Cruz. Also, the HLAF team present includes HLAF interns, HLAF Senior Community Organizer, Ms. Claudette Almadin, HLAF Community Organizers, Ms. Carmelita Torrefiel, and Mr. Kio Jerome Dela Peña, and HLAF Communications Officer, Ms. Ma. Luisa Bautista.

The participants of the workshop on the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Children’s Code of the Las Piñas City held on September 6-7, 2017 at the Junction Tagaytay Hotel.

Tagaytay City, Philippines – The Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF) facilitated for the first time a workshop on the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Children’s Code of the Las Piñas City last September 6 to 7, 2017 at the Junction Tagaytay Hotel.

Las Piñas City Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) tapped HLAF to facilitate the said workshop through HLAF’s Executive Director, Atty. Rommel Alim Abitria.

Before proceeding to the actual workshop on the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Children’s Code, DILG City Director, Ms. Mary Ann B. Planas, CESE, gave the welcoming remarks to the participants of the workshop. She thanked everyone for attending the said workshop. She then emphasized the importance of the activity as the city cannot operationalize the duly enacted Children’s Code without the Implementing Rules and Regulations and commended the participants as the members of the technical working group of the Children’s Code. Ms. Planas ended her remarks by welcoming everyone to the event and encouraged everyone to enjoy themselves during the workshop on the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Children’s Code.

City Administrator, Mr. Reynaldo C. Balaguan, followed on stage to give an inspirational message to the participants of the workshop. Mr. Balaguan acknowledged the efforts of the participants to continuously attend different seminars related to the formulation of the Children’s Code. He seconded the claim of Ms. Planas on how important the workshop is. He also recalled how the technical working group members worked on the Children’s Code continuously and how many revisions it took. He then hoped that at the end of the two-day seminar, the participants will be able to finalize the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Children’s Code. He concluded that aside from compliance with the rules, he hoped that everyone supports the advocacy of the city to have a comprehensive Children’s Code and hoped everyone to enjoy the workshop.

To give updates on the status of children in Las Piñas before the workshop on the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations, Planning Development Officer II, Mr. Ian Dennis S. Cruz, reported the State of Children in Las Piñas City from the 2016 State of the Children Report. Mr. Cruz tackled the report about population, education, social welfare and protection, nutrition, health, and budget.

Also, Coun. Rubymar M. Ramos read the sections and articles of the Children’s Code written last November 2016. This action was set as a platform to start the workshop on the formulation of the IRR of the Children’s Code.

The LCPC sub-committees (Development Committee, Survival Committee, Participation Committee, and Protection Committee) input their suggestions for the IRR. Also, they reported per committee their inputs and Atty. Abitria provided comments to enhance the formulation of the IRR.

“On behalf of the Department of Education, we are very thankful to be part of the committee… I’m looking forward to another training workshop.” Mr. Alquin Celestial said during the sharing of experience on the second day of the workshop.

“The department is very thankful to the LCPC… the City Planning Office is very happy that the planning for the city’s welfare is a multi-sectoral approach like what we have done today… we were about to create a more comprehensive plan…” Mr. Ian Dennis Cruz added.

At the closing of the two-day workshop, the participants were able to create an outline for the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of their Children’s Code.

HLAF Senior Community Organizer, Ms. Claudette Almadin, RSW, said that the workshop is one of the trail-blazing practices of the Las Piñas City LCPC as the technical working group is very willing to participate in the workshop on the formulation of the IRR of the city’s Children’s Code.

“I am very thankful to the participants as they were able to allot time for this workshop… we can be proud for our involvement in drafting the IRR as the youth of the Las Piñas City will be the beneficiaries of the Children’s Code. As we are about to go back to our respective offices, we have something we can work on with… and we will present this to the whole body of the Local Council for the Protection of Children.” Ms. Junet M. Barilla, RSW said during the closing remarks of the workshop.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Las Piñas City’s Children’s Code will be input by the HLAF’s team.

In the State of the Marginalized Address 2017 presented by the Ateneo Student Catholic Action, in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Social Development and Project Laan Inc., the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF) participated as a plenary speaker at SOMA 2017 Urban Poor Risks and Vulnerabilities: Housing, Public Health and Youth-at-Risk at the Ateneo de Manila University last April 1.

HLAF Executive Director, Atty. Rommel Alim Abitria gave a lecture on youth-at-risk entitled “The marginalized and the Criminal Justice System”. Also, HLAF facilitated a workshop to a set of participants about how the stakeholders can raise an advocacy campaign about the youth-at-risk.

“Equity rather than equality. Better yet, liberation and empowerment are what we need…” Atty. Abitria said about how we should approach today’s society.

In the event, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Senior Technical Officer of the Program for Informal Settler Families, Mr. Jethro de Castro, was also invited to discuss the Housing: Informal Settler Families in danger areas of Metro Manila and Resettlement Government of the urban poor sector and; Health Sciences Program Director, Dr. Norman Dennis Marquez, discussed the Public Health Risk: the Marginalized Mental Health.

Also, HLAF provided a booth on the activity where the participants can browse HLAF programs and services. The booth included related information education communication (IEC) campaign materials. The booth was a part of the series of caravan HLAF is conducting to raise awareness to the target audience about HLAF’s program and advocacies.

Along with Atty. Cristine Antoniette Ramos from Alternative Law Groups, Inc. (ALG), HLAF Senior Community Organizer, Ms. Claudette Almadin, RSW and HLAF Communications Officer, Ms. Ma. Luisa Bautista, three 3rd year BS Social Work interns from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila namely: John Lemuel Gardose, Patrick Yeoj Perez, and Cristine Gusi, joined in the said activity as a support team of HLAF as well as facilitators in the workshop about youth-at-risk.

In the workshop, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Case Manager, Ms. Laila Baharan, shared the barangay’s experience on how the BCPC helps the children at risk and children-in-conflict-with-the-law.

“Dapat magkaisa ang konseho at pamayanan para maprotektahan ang kabataan.” Ms. Baharan said during the workshop.

After the groups’ presentation on the workshop, HLAF interns provided an inspiring message for the participants.

“Sana imbis na husgahan natin ang mga batang nakakagawa ng kasalanan, sana tulungan natin silang magbago.” – John Lemuel Gardose

“Sana magising ang diwa natin para tumulong sa iba.” – Patrick Yeoj Peraz

“Bilang estudyante, naisip ko na mag-aral nang mabuti para making social worker ako… Yan ang tulong ko.” – Cristine Gusi

Last Aug. 16, the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF) Center for Restorative Action (CRA) initiated the Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting with partner barangays from Malabon City and Navotas City held at the Barangay Dampalit Multipurpose Hall.

The TWG meeting was conducted by HLAF Team as part of the CRA-Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Training in monitoring and mentoring strategies with the partner barangays.

Representatives from the BCPC partner barangays in Malabon and Navotas gathered at the TWG meeting were from Brgy. Tañong, Brgy. Tanza, Brgy. San Agustine, Brgy. Hulong Duhat, Brgy. Dampalit, Brgy. Longos, Brgy. Baritan, Brgy. West Navotas and Brgy. Tangos.

Before proceeding to the barangays’ report, HLAF Community Organizer, Ms. Emy Torrefiel led the discussion on the needed forms and requirements for the annual Juvenile Justice Volunteers’ Congress. This year’s JJVos theme “Sa Tulong ng Aktibong Pakikilahok ng JJVo, Tamang Pagpapatupad ng JJWA ay Masisigurado” focuses on the impact of the involvement of children and youth in the juvenile delinquency prevention and implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act at the community level. Also, this year will mark the fifth year of conducting the Juvenile Justice Volunteers (JJVos) Congress. It will also be an avenue for the participants to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act being one of the landmark legislation in the country.

BCPCs’ representatives from partner barangays of Malabon and Navotas reported their progress and statistics about the children in conflict with the law and children at risk cases. Some barangays also mentioned the interventions that helped them to lessen the CAR and CICL cases in their barangay. Different reports are as follows:

Barangay Tañong

Barangay Tañong shared one of the activities that their BCPC members are doing in their barangay. The barangay has activity on scavenging goods to contribute to their BCPC funds.

Barangay Tanza

Barangay Tanza reported that last July, their barangay held their organized BCPC seminar and BCYA committee. Also, to help the CICLs and CARs, Barangay Tanza conducted a clean-up drive and gardening involving CICLs and CARs in their barangay.

Barangay San Agustin 

Ms. Carol, a volunteer of BCPC from Brgy. San Agustine, stand as a representative of their barangay to report their program of “pagpapa-aral” for the CICLs and CARs to help them build their ground on education. She also mentioned the success story of one of the cases they handled in the barangay. The case of a 17-year-old was a former CICL and today, he is now helping his parents in their everyday activities.

Barangay Hulong Duhat

Barangay Kagawad Vlady Garcia presented the reports and updates on the barangay’s statistic report of 88 curfew cases and zero cases on CICL and CAR. He also shared that the barangay has two latest success stories. According to Kagawad Garcia, the counseling program is the first step in their intervention for their CICL and CAR cases. Also, the barangay’s BCPC has a list of names of CICLs and CARs for continuous monitoring and visitation.

Barangay Dampalit

According to BCPC Focal Person of Barangay Dampalit, Ms. Kimberly Fernandez Jugo) noted that their barangay held sports festivals and livelihood programs of paper bags for their youth as part of their intervention. To date, the barangay doesn’t have existing CICL and CAR cases.

Barangay Longos

Barangay Kagawad Edna Morit presented the barangay’s organized list of CICL and CAR cases data on their logbook. She also mentioned the step-by-step intervention program for their CAR and CICL cases.

Barangay Baritan

To date, Barangay Baritan reported that their barangay currently has a record of one CICL case and six CAR cases.

Barangay West Navotas

The success story of Barangay West Navotas was presented by Mr. Manuel Salao, a BCPC representative from Barangay West Navotas. He shared how they were able to attain their new BCPC headquarters. Also, he reported that as of to date, the barangay has zero record of CICL and CAR cases.

Barangay Tangos, Navotas

Ms. Geraldine Gonzales presented the update of Barangay Tangos’ BCPC program. The issue that the barangay was currently focused on was on teenage pregnancy inclined with the increasing cases of CICL in their barangay.

In the later part of the activity in the TWG meeting, the partner barangays were divided into groups according to their batch. HLAF’s Senior Social Worker and HLAF’s Senior Community Organizer, Mr. Luis Singgangan, RSW, and Ms. Claudette Almadin, RSW, asked the group to write a position paper on the BCPCs stand about the lowering of the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) from 15 years old to 9 years old. They explained how the position paper can be used and what will be the content of the paper.

HLAF considered the TWG meeting as a successful and good update from the BCPCs of partner barangays from Malabon and Navotas. HLAF looks forward to the future works of the barangays in working together for juvenile justice.