As part of the First Regional Juvenile Justice & Welfare Committee (RJJWC) Summit held on May 20, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista led the signing of the Declaration of Commitment to strengthen the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

The Declaration expresses the pledge of national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, youth advocates, and other stakeholders to exert all efforts to better implement the law.

In his message during the event, Secretary Bautista, who is also the chairperson of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), took the opportunity to convey his appreciation for the efforts of JJWC, RJJWC, and partners for their innovativeness in carrying out the celebration of Juvenile Welfare Consciousness Week, an event to generate public awareness on the law.

He also mentioned various issues that led to the conclusion that there is a failure in the proper and full implementation of the law despite government efforts.

“The challenge for us belonging to the umbrella of the DSWD is to work harmoniously with one another in crafting policies that block the roads which lead the youth of our land into the clutches of blindfolded Lady Justice by obtaining a thorough understanding and responding properly to the fragile and highly impressionable minds of the youth; institutionalizing a restorative justice and welfare system backed by sustainable rehabilitative interventions; advocating a shift to community-based alternatives versus incarceration; strengthening the public defense for the youth; prioritizing government resources to be able to fully implement RA 9344 and RA 10630; empowering movements for better outcomes for the youth that are compatible with community safety; provide purposeful residential diversion programs;  and developing relevant approaches in the judicial system aligned with responsibility for the common good,” Secretary Bautista said in response.

During the summit, participants from different sectors agreed that the construction and operationalization of the Bahay Pag-Asa require more attention and prioritization from the government, both at the national and local levels.

JJWC also shared that based on their research findings on existing Bahay Pag-Asa centers, there is a need to improve on various aspects such as inadequate space for the youth; inadequate manpower; limited interventions offered; and on the impression that there are centers which are like detention cells.

For her part, DSWD Undersecretary Aimee S. Torrefranca-Neri appealed to all partners and stakeholders “to carry on with the task of implementing the law with much vigor and passion.”

“We will continue to build our partnership to increase understanding and unity among us, to tread this battle for the promotion and protection of our children’s rights, particularly, the rights of Children in Conflict with the Law, and the Children at Risk,” she said.

Usec. Neri added “we are all duty bound to fulfill this, not just a matter of mere compliance, but because we believe it is the right thing to do for our children.” -30-