Mentoring is a relationship between two people with the goal of professional and personal development. The “mentor” is usually an experienced individual who shares knowledge, experience, and advice with a less experienced person, or “mentee.
The implementation of a law requires implementers and key stakeholders the proper understanding of its importance and purpose to ensure that its beneficiaries enjoy their rights, as well as help them reach and develop to their full potential.
Itogon was a beneficiary of HLAF from 2017 during the Strengthening Implementers by Mentoring and Uplifting Local Actors (SIMULA) project in CAR, Region 3, Region 5 and Region 8, in partnership with UNICEF.
Itogon, officially the Municipality of Itogon, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines.
HLAF had the chance to re-interview Itogon after several years of its project which delightfully strengthened them professionally and personally. May it be online via zoom or email, or physical, HLAF continues to check the situations, challenges, and good practices of its beneficiaries all over the Philippines whenever possible.
Laurie Pangda, one of the strengthened local actor in Itogon told us how the Barangays in their Municipality have been functional since then. She told that the 9 barangays are still conducting regular Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) meetings, while the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC) is still holding regular quarterly meetings with its key stakeholders from the local government (BCPC, DSWD, DepEd, MHO, PNP), non-government organizations, local churches, and local youth organizations.
Pangda shared that it was saddening that their is a rise of children in conflict with the law (CICL) and child at risk (CAR) cases in Itogon during the start of the pandemic. Reportedly, there are not more than 15 cases being handled quarterly. The cases include child abuse (sexual and physical) and violence against women and children.
Pangda told HLAF that because of the training, the BCPCs have been able to handle cases more efficiently and effectively since of the dutiful processes, referrals, follow-ups, and the use of materials: such as logbooks and documentations.
Naliwanagan ba, we’re very lucky rin na involved kami sa training. Naging effective s’ya sa pagpapatupad namin ng batas at kapakanan ng mga kabataan dito sa Itogon, lalong lalo na sa mga barangays namin dahil there are only a few na nagbibigay ng ganitong klaseng training especially sa aming lugar. We have been more functional personally and professionally (skills) because of the training.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Itogon has been continuing to conduct the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to make their communities aware of children’s rights to lessen exploitation, physical, and sexual abuse to children.
Itogon has been continuing to connect with its communities and key stakeholders to provide them knowledge of the rightful processes, as well as the programs and activities for children in their area.
Not only is Itogon conducting activities for the rights and welfare of children, but as well as skills development training for their personnel (Child Development Workers, VAW DESK Officers, and BCPC Members) such as leadership training thru effective public speaking, and the training to understand the salient features of RA 9262 & RA 9208, and other Related Laws on Children and Trauma Informed Care (TIC).
Parents of children are also being involved in their activities to promote the welfare and well-being of children in their homes such as lectures on effective parenting.
Gladly, even HLAF’s project already ended a few years ago, Itogon did not stop to strengthen its BCPCs to discuss lectures which promote the proper implementation of the laws relating to children. The topics include those which have been discussed in the project including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC), the BCPC functionality, Public Speaking, Pangda told.
While being thankful, Pangda told HLAF “palagi namin naiisip at nareremind kami sa mga changes na nagagawa ng trabaho namin for our children. Kung wala ang HLAF, hindi ganun ka-functional ang barangays, walang maayos na data organizing, at hindi kami magiging ganito ka relevant ngayon”.
