Pagadian City - Zamboanga Del Sur News and Information

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development–Region IX conducted a workshop to formulate a Manual of Operation for the Home for Children last January 20–22, 2010 at Hotel Alindahaw, Pagadian City. The said workshop aimed to “focus and determine the target clientele/children who can be placed for temporary shelter and define the programs and services of the Home for Children.”

The 3–day activity was participated in by the Home for Children In-Conflict with the Law (CICL), the Kaabag Women Center and the municipalities of Tukuran, Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot, which were said to have a number of CICL referrals. Representatives from the Public Attorney’s Office were not able to attend on the final day during the presentation of outputs because of prior engagements.

DSWD–IX Assistant Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo facilitated the entire workshop – from the inputs on the preparation of Manual Format Presentation to the presentation of the outputs. The participants likewise discussed and made some adjustments and amendments while the formulated Manual of Operation was presented.

Mrs. Conchita San Diego, Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer explained the need for the operation manual for the Center (Home for Children). She said that the vision, mission and procedures of the Center are already stated in the Memorandum of Agreement, but there are no details on its actual operation. “Nalibog ang mga prosecutors on the nature of the Center,” she said.  

* Home for Children *

Located at the Provincial Government Complex, Brgy. Dao, Pagadian City, the Home for Children aims to “provide protective services and temporary shelter to neglected children, and to those children awaiting trial.”

It serves as a temporary home for the disadvantaged children, is exclusive for male and those in conflict with the law. It facilitates the “the immediate assessment of the physical, psychosocial, medical, and educational needs of the child and determine the best intervention program that promotes positive behavioral change and skills enhancement.

The said formulation of the programs and services of the Home for Children is anchored on the following laws and mandates: Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006; Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; Republic Act 8369 or the Family Courts Act of 1997; Articles 39 and 40 of the UN Convention On the Rights of The Child; 1985 Beijing Rules, providing guidance “for the protection of children's rights and respect for their needs in the development of separate and specialized systems of juvenile justice”; and Resolution No. 2K8 – 205 mandating the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur to “forge a partnership with the national government agencies, non – government organizations, and civic organizations for the establishment of the Home for Children In- Conflict with the Law (CICL) located at the Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City.”