Lanao del Sur, Philippines – The Lanao del Sur Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PCAT-VAWC) held their 4th quarter joint meeting today at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, Provincial Capitol. Presiding Officer Jamil Faisal Adiong led the meeting, emphasizing the importance of November’s National Children’s Month as an opportunity to reinforce commitments toward protecting children and addressing gender-based violence.
In his opening remarks, Adiong underscored the need for proactive protection measures for children, noting that the annual observance of Children’s Month underscores the critical importance of creating safe environments for children across the region. “This is a time to rally all stakeholders to protect our children, especially as we confront issues related to child protection and gender-based violence (CP-GBV),” he stated.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Mariam Balindong Casim welcomed attendees and summarized the discussions from the previous council meeting, setting the stage for the day’s agenda.
The meeting’s primary focus was the proposed joint PCPC-PCAT-VAWC resolution, presented by Adiong. He outlined the draft’s call for the Bangsamoro Government, specifically the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), to establish residential care facilities within Lanao del Sur. These facilities would provide rehabilitation, protection, psychological support, legal assistance, and reintegration services for children in conflict with the law (CICL), victim survivors of violence and trafficking, neglected and abandoned children, and other vulnerable groups.
Acmellah Acmed, a Medical Social Worker with the Women and Children Protection Unit of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (WCPU-APMC), reported updates on child protection and gender-based violence cases in the region. As of October 2024, she noted that 19 Maranao children and 13 women across various regions, including Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay, have reported abuse cases.
In describing the WCPU’s services, Acmed highlighted that their team provides comprehensive health assessments, including medical exams and diagnostic tests, alongside issuing medicolegal certificates essential for court proceedings. Additionally, the WCPU offers psychosocial counseling, collaborates with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to file cases, and refers clients to the PSWDO for financial aid. They also run orientation sessions to raise awareness on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
Representatives from Community and Family Services International (CFSI), Jalil Usman, and Farida Mangcaan proposed scheduling a case conference to collaboratively address current cases handled by the WCPU. Their recommendation aims to create a holistic, integrated response plan.
The meeting concluded with the Panatang Makabata, an oath dedicated to children’s welfare, led by Ranaw Youth Development Council co-chair Samsoden Potawan. Presiding Officer Adiong closed with a call to action: “Let us all include empathy in managing these cases, because they’re real. Every sector must engage. If cases aren’t reported, who will advocate for these victims? Empathy is crucial. We need to ensure we are building a safer future for the next generation.”
The joint PCPC-PCAT-VAWC meeting underscores Lanao del Sur’s commitment to addressing child protection and gender-based violence, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and action from all sectors to protect vulnerable communities and foster safer environments for children and women.
