DSWD-6 calls for protection of youth amid rise in number of kids in armed conflict

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Children and youth should live in a safe environment.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office VI (DSWD-6) made this call after noting an increase in the number of children in armed conflict who reached out to the government.

DSWD-6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said the community must ensure the safety of children.

“Let me emphasize that we, the present generation, have the responsibility to ensure that the children and youth live in a safer environment. This means one where they are protected and respected,” Macapobre said during the orientation on Republic Act 11188 otherwise known as an “Act Providing for the Special Protection of Children in Situation of Armed Conflict.

Macapobre, who also chairs the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children in Western Visayas, is thankful that some agencies are addressing this concern.

She commended local government units, the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and members of Regional Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for partnering with DSWD in responding to cases of children involved in armed conflict.

Macapobre said the agency has and will always condemn the recruitment of children by armed groups.

“DSWD always advocates for the rights and welfare of children in all our endeavors.  Being in armed groups is never a place for them,” she said.

Meanwhile, Macapobre said they will also work on addressing the gaps of ensuring availability of facilities and resources to support the interventions for CSAC and continue to build partnerships from both government and non-government agencies to help in providing holistic interventions to CSAC.

“Ours is an endeavor that goes beyond this lifetime. Making a child-friendly environment today ensures the development and success of the next generation to follow,” she said.