Marawi City, Lanao del Sur — June 11, 2025 — The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (PCAT-VAWC) convened their second joint meeting today at the Provincial Capitol’s Social Hall to reinforce programs and policies safeguarding children and women in the province.
The meeting was presided over by Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong, bringing together key stakeholders and development partners to discuss recent accomplishments and address pressing challenges in child and women protection.
OIC-Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Monaima A. Adiong presented progress updates on the Child, Youth, and Women Welfare Program. She cited successful interventions handled by the PSWDO, including cases of child separation from parents, sexual abuse survivors, an abandoned child, a trafficking survivor, and several incidents of physical abuse across various municipalities.
Rohanie B. Datumanong of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlighted the urgent need to improve birth registration in the province, noting that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has the lowest registration rate in the country at just 77%. “A birth certificate gives dignity, identity, and protection to the children of Lanao del Sur,” she said, emphasizing that many families face challenges such as lack of awareness, fear, cultural practices, and bureaucratic hurdles.
To address this, Datu Sofeier Adil of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shared updates on the BRAVE Project—Birth Registration Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations to End Childhood Statelessness. The project supports digital birth registration initiatives and aligns with the global 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A significant highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of seed grants and advocacy materials to Local Youth Development Officers (LYDOs) and youth organizations in several municipalities, including Pualas, Saguiaran, Balindong, Masiu, Butig, Mulondo, and Marawi City. This initiative seeks to empower youth in leading child protection campaigns and strengthening community-level advocacy.
Ranaw Youth Development Officer Jamil Faisal S. Adiong also introduced three proposed ordinances during the meeting: the Ordinance for Children with Special Needs, the Ranaw Iskolar Program Ordinance, and the Ordinance on Students’ Rights and Welfare. Drafts and resolutions of these legislative measures were distributed to the council for review and support.
The joint meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Lanao del Sur’s provincial government and partner agencies to advance child and women protection initiatives, build inclusive systems, and ensure no child is left behind.