On 21 February 2025, the UP Open University Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies of the UP Open University (UPOU-FMDS) held a consultation meeting with the Technical Working Group (TWG) from different government agencies. These included the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).

The meeting, hosted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines at Citadines Roces Quezon City, the meeting focused on the presentation of the results from the consultation with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the presentation of Draft Modules for Child Protection components, specifically the goals and objectives and training design for each module, intended for local chief executives and social welfare officers in the Philippines.

The key attendees included UNICEF Philippines’ Chief of Child Protection, Ms. Patricia Lim Ah Ken; Child Protection Specialist, Ms. Maricris Cabural; Child Protection Officer, Ms. Faye Balanon; and Ms. Michelle Quezon. Representing the UPOU were Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan (Project Leader), Dr. Augusto Rodriguez (Module Developer and Social Policy Component Leader), Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe (Module Developer), Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel Simporios (Module Developer), Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol (Research Associate), Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes (Research Associate), and Ms. Eunice Laarnie Simon (Program Assistant). From the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), attendees included Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas; Assistant Bureau Director, Ms. Precilia A. Docuyanan; Training Specialists, Ms. Marigrace Mateum and Ms. Norilix M. Razalan; Planning Officer, Ms. Lily Cabrillas Demabildo; Social Welfare Officers, Ms. Helen M. Pereya and Ms. Maria Cielo G. Agotilla; and Executive Assistant, Mr. Jayme Regacuo. Representing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) were Ms. Rebecca Ballesteros (Chief of Policy and Research) and Ms. Maria Theresa Gulapa (Social Worker). From the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), the attendees included Director Ms. Imelda R. Ronda and Social Welfare Officer Ms. Irene Suyon Fagayan. The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Barangay Operations Office (DILG-NBOO) was represented by Local Government Operations Officer, Mr. Lymuel Magsino. Lastly, from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), participants included Division Chief, Mr. Elino L. Bardillon; Planning Officer, Ms. Julie Ann G. Delen; Regional Coordinator IV-A, Ms. Florida F. Radam; Regional Coordinator NCR, Ms. Gladys M. Rodriguez; and Regional Coordinator MIMAROPA, Ms. Ericka Bautista.

Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas warmly welcomed participants, expressing gratitude to partner agencies and emphasizing the importance of advocating for child protection initiatives. She highlighted the need to assess and strengthen the child protection system at the local level, urging active involvement from local government executives. Recognizing the value of collaboration, she encouraged agencies and experts to contribute to refining the draft module created by the UPOU. She stressed prioritizing children’s best interests and integrating child protection into the Executive Legislative Agenda. Concluding with enthusiasm, she looked forward to ongoing consultations and collective efforts to enhance child protection initiatives.

Dr. Finaflor Taylan, the Project Leader, presented the results of the consultation with local government units (LGUs), highlighting issues and areas that need improvement. Following the presentation, members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) shared their comments, perspectives, and recommendations regarding child protection issues and challenges faced by LGUs in their respective localities. 

The UPOU team presented and explained the draft modules and training module flow to partner agencies. For the Child Protection modules, Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan introduced the first module, which focuses on foundational concepts, legal definitions, and core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), along with theoretical frameworks related to child protection. Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe then discussed the second module, Child Protection Systems, which provides an in-depth understanding of child protection systems, including their key components and the roles of various stakeholders at different levels. This module also aims to develop participants’ skills in analyzing, evaluating, and implementing strategies to strengthen child protection, with an emphasis on governance structures, local implementation, and aligning national policies with community needs. The third module, Recognizing, Reporting, Recording, and Responding (4Rs) to Violence Against Children, was led by Dr. Augusto Rodriguez. This module is designed to empower local government units (LGUs) in effectively addressing violence against children by equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply the “4Rs” framework.

After the presentation of the modules on Child Protection, an active discussion and brainstorming session took place, during which participants emphasized that the modules should be clear, accessible, and relevant for all local government units (LGUs), regardless of their size or resources. To ensure LGU engagement, the modules should incorporate real-life data, practical activities, and assessments to help them better understand and evaluate the child protection situation in their respective areas.

Ms. Patricia Lim Ah Ken, UNICEF Philippines’ Chief of Child Protection, concluded the meeting on a positive note by expressing gratitude to the DSWD Academy for providing a valuable platform and to government partners for their support in advancing the project. She also extended her appreciation to UPOU colleagues for their dedication in handling a challenging topic with patience and commitment.

Aligned with the UPOU’s mission to democratize access to education and training, this initiative also supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Written by: Eunice Simon Laarnie • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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