𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐋
Cebu has become the second province in the country, next to Cavite, to commit to implementing an updated protocol for handling cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination, strengthening its child protection system through a more coordinated and standardized response.
On Friday, July 17, Governor Pamela Baricuatro joined Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida during the provincial launch of the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination (CANE+D) at a hotel in Mandaue City.
The adoption of the revised protocol is expected to improve coordination among local government units, law enforcement agencies, social workers, health professionals, educators, prosecutors, and the courts, ensuring a child-centered approach to case management and the implementation of existing child protection laws.
“With this launch, we reaffirm our commitment that child protection remains our utmost priority. We make a promise today that through this ceremonial signing, that child protection is always at the forefront of our policy making and service,” Sec. Vida said in his speech.
REVISED PROTOCOL
The revised protocol was developed by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC), chaired by the DOJ, through consultations and workshops with various stakeholders on the implementation of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and other recently enacted child protection laws.
It provides a comprehensive and systematic approach for duty-bearers in handling and managing cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.
These duty-bearers include barangay officials, health workers, social workers, teachers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the courts. The protocol aims to ensure that all interventions are carried out in the best interest of the child, uphold children’s rights, and promote their well-being.
It covers all forms of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination, providing guidelines for the identification, reporting, investigation, case management, legal proceedings, rehabilitation, reintegration, and prevention of such cases.
CEBU’S COMMITMENT
During the program, Governor Baricuatro signed a memorandum of understanding supporting the implementation of the revised protocol with Sec. Vida. It was witnessed by DOJ Undersecretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong, Board Member Stanley Caminero, and Board Member Neneth Reluya.
The officials also signed a wall of commitment, joined by mayors, vice mayors, members of the Provincial Board, representatives of law enforcement agencies, and regional offices of national government agencies present during the event.
In her speech, Gov. Baricuatro thanked the DOJ for spearheading the timely revision of the protocol, especially as issues involving the juvenile justice system, have drawn national attention following recent shooting incidents involving minors at a school in Tacloban City.
“The revised protocol reinforces our shared commitment to prevent violence, respond effectively to threats, and place child protection at the heart of everything we do,” Governor Baricuatro said.
“More importantly, it strengthens coordination among our social workers, law enforcement officers, health professionals, educators, prosecutors, and all our partners to ensure a faster, more responsive, and more effective child protection referral system,” she added. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝒀𝑱𝑩, 𝑭𝑬
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