On 11 October 2024, the UP Open University Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI) through the UPOU’s Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS), along with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), participated in the Inception Meeting for the project on the Development of Executive Course for Local Chief Executives on Child Protection and Public Finance. Hosted by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines at Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila, the meeting focused on planning the details of the project on the development of a set of courses and modules on child protection as one project component for local chief executives and social welfare officers in the Philippines. 

The key attendees included UNICEF Philippines’ Child Protection Specialist, Ms. Maricris Cabural, and Child Protection Assistant, Ms. Lilibeth Gayos. From the UPOU-FMDS are Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan (Project Leader and Module Developer), Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe (Module Developer), Dr. Augusto Rodriguez (Module Developer), and Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel Simporios (Module Developer), as well as Ms. Carolyn Rodriguez and Ms. Eunice Laarnie Simon (Program Assistant). From DSWD, Training Specialist Ms. Marigrace Matuem and Social Welfare Officer Ms. Prescilla Docuyanan were present in the meeting. Representing DILG-National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) through an online platform was Mr. Lymuel Magsino (Local Government Operations Officer IV). The collaborative project aims to enhance child protection frameworks and initiatives in the Philippines, particularly at the local government units. Moreover, the initiative seeks to equip local chief executives and social welfare officers in the Philippines with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to strengthen and effectively implement child protection policies and programs. It ensures that public resources are allocated and utilized to prioritize the rights and well-being of children, thereby fostering environments where the rights of Filipino children are upheld and safeguarded. 

The collaborative project is aligned with UPOU’s mission to democratize access to education and contribute to national and international development goals, such as child rights protection, particularly the target to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children and torture. It also supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and  SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

On the left side, from L-R: Ms. Carolyn Rodriguez, Ms. Maricris Cabural (UNICEF Philippines Child Protection Specialist), Ms. Prescilla Docuyanan (Social Welfare Officer), Ms. Marigrace Matuem (DSWD Training Specialist), and Dr. Augusto Rodriguez (Module Developer).

On the right side, from L-R: Ms. Lilibeth Gayos (UNICEF Philippines Child Protection Assistant), Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan (Project Leader and Module Developer), Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe (Module Developer), Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel Simporios (Module Developer), and Ms. Eunice Laarnie Simon (Program Assistant).

Written by: Eunice Laarnie Simon and Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

No event found!