CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Luzon appeals for a child-friendly society amid the COVID-19 pander.
DSWD Regional Director and Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) Chairperson Marites Maristela called on partner agencies to protect and promote the rights of children.
“As child protection actors, we should not let the current pandemic hinder us from protecting our children. It is at this time of pandemic that we need to extend our utmost efforts for them,” she said during the virtual culminating activity of the 28th National Children’s Month celebration.
Meanwhile, Maristela acknowledged the duty bearers for their dedication in performing their responsibilities for the children.
“As we go out knowing that we are not safe against the virus, we should always carry with us our duty of serving and working for our children,” she stated.
DSWD also called on its partner agencies to continuously implement their programs, services, and best practices to serve as examples to other local government units.
“We have to help each other in promoting a child-friendly society by sharing our knowledge to one another,” she added.
Recently, RSCWC III reported that there is a surge in child abuse cases at this time of the pandemic.
Increasing risks of violence where children are exposed include maltreatment, gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation which are perpetrated by housemates or family members. –Jag Lyra D. Costamero