Marawi City, Lanao del Sur — August 2, 2025 — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) marked a major milestone in its pursuit of child welfare and safety with the official launch of the Child Protection System Strengthening (CPSS) Roadmap 2023–2035, held today at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol Complex in Lanao del Sur.
The roadmap, developed under the Social Welfare Advancement for Protection and Change (SWAPC) project, was implemented by Community and Family Services International (CFSI) and funded by UNICEF and the European Union. It lays out a strategic, rights-based, and multi-sectoral framework for building a sustainable child protection system in the Bangsamoro region.
In his opening address, Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Ahmad Estrella, Director General of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), underscored the regional government’s commitment to ending the cycle of child suffering.
“No more children should suffer difficulties just to put food on the table,” Estrella said, calling for systemic reforms to uplift the lives of every Bangsamoro child.
The CPSS Roadmap was presented by Farida T. Mangcaan, Head of CFSI’s Iligan Sub-Office, who described it as a roadmap designed to respond to the multiple vulnerabilities facing Bangsamoro children—including armed conflict, displacement, hazardous labor, gender-based violence, and limited access to social services.
“This is a roadmap rooted in inclusivity and sustainability. It is not just a plan—it’s a commitment to deliver change on the ground,” Mangcaan said.
The SWAPC Advisory Group, with the MSSD as the lead agency, spearheaded the launch. Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong of Lanao del Sur voiced strong support from the provincial government, pledging continued collaboration with BARMM agencies to realize the roadmap’s vision.
Messages of solidarity poured in from both international and local partners.
Andreas Wuestenberg, Chief of UNICEF Philippines’ Mindanao Field Office, and Myrto Christofidou, Programme Officer of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, emphasized the importance of local ownership and long-term systemic reform.
“The EU is proud to stand with BARMM in ensuring children’s rights are protected, especially in conflict-affected communities,” Christofidou said.
Noraida Abdullah Karim, Head of CFSI’s Mindanao Programme, acknowledged the dedication of the CPSS authors and congratulated the newly trained child protection workers.
The event also celebrated the achievements of social workers from Lanao del Sur and other BARMM provinces who completed the Specialized Training Course on Child Protection. The trainees, forming part of the Child Protection Training Cohorts, were awarded certificates for their successful completion of the intensive capacity-building program. The training focused on strengthening frontline social services and case management skills.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Dr. Jeffrey P. Razonabe, Chairperson of the Social Work Department at MSU-Main Campus, and MSSD Minister Raissa H. Jajurie, whose message was shared via video. Both leaders stressed the vital role of local capacity development, inter-agency coordination, and sustained investment in building a professional, responsive social service workforce.
Heartfelt testimonies were shared by child protection graduates Hanifah A. Habib, RSW; Monaima A. Adiong, RSW, PhD; and Rismirah Y. Adap, RSW, MPA. They reflected on the challenges of frontline service and the renewed hope the CPSS Roadmap brings.
Also delivering a message of support was Police Major Elmira A. Relox, Chief of the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Police Regional Office–BARMM, who reiterated the critical role of law enforcement in child protection efforts.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Farida Mangcaan, who expressed deep appreciation to all partners and reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a safer, more inclusive future for Bangsamoro children.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a region where every child is protected, heard, and given the opportunity to thrive,” Mangcaan said.