The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), organized a four-day Child Rights Situational Analysis and Strategic Workshop from December 2 to 5, 2024, at Go Hotels, Iligan City. This significant event brought together PCPC members to assess the state of child rights in the province and craft strategic plans to address critical challenges affecting children.
Representing Provincial Administrator Salma Jayne A. Tamano, Mariam Diablo Hadji Malik joined the workshop, which featured in-depth discussions on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), national child protection legislation, and provincial child rights concerns. Experts also presented insights from the 2023 BARMM Regional Child Rights Situational Analysis to support evidence-based solutions.
Interactive sessions enabled participants to evaluate existing child-focused initiatives, identify root causes of issues, and develop solutions using the Theory of Change framework. Key areas of focus included health, education, child protection, and participation. The workshop emphasized the importance of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs, resource mobilization, and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to address pressing child welfare issues.
In a parallel effort to promote inclusive growth, the Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO) launched a groundbreaking Gender Development Program on December 4, 2024, at the Provincial Capitol’s Social Hall, Marawi City. This initiative, funded by the Provincial Gender Development Office (PGAD), reaffirms the provincial government’s commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality.
The program commenced with PCO head Ashadie Alonto highlighting the provincial government’s steadfast support for gender-focused initiatives under the leadership of Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. and Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Rakiin Adiong.
Key activities included presentations by Cooperative Consultant Mohammad P. Pangandaman on the fundamental concepts and philosophies of cooperatives, along with discussions by Cooperative Services and Extension Assistance (CSEA) personnel on registration requirements. This seminar marks the beginning of a month-long series of events aimed at fostering community empowerment and sustainable development.
With these concurrent initiatives, Lanao del Sur demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing societal challenges, focusing on the protection of children’s rights and the empowerment of women to build a more inclusive and resilient province.