DAVAO CITY — A Davao City councilor is proposing for the development of a transformation program for children at risk in the city.
Councilor Maria Belen Acosta filed a resolution to enact an ordinance for the development of the program to ensure the protection of the children, especially those who are in conflict with the law.
“The legislation of this program will help provide a safe and protective environment for children who are at risk of becoming either victim or becoming CICL’s (Children in Conflict with the Law). Assistance from the government or non-government agencies could also be properly coursed to this proactive program,” she said.
Acosta said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed her concern on children sniffing solvents.
“And more importantly, what legislation could be crafted so that the City Social Services Division could be properly equipped with legal, physical, and financial requirements and capabilities,” she said.
She said despite the recognition of the city as child-friendly, it remained the goal of the city government to continue to develop new programs for welfare and protection of the children of Davao.
“In an initial meeting with CSSDO Head Malou Bermudo, we both fully support the aspiration of our Mayor to be proactive in matters that concern the safety of our children in particular, and the community in general,” she said.
She said under the proposed ordinance, there would be intervention programs for the children who are at risk.
“Let us not wait to give significant interventions only after they have become CICL’s or children in conflict with the law,” she said.
Meanwhile, Acosta also filed a resolution on the amendment of some provisions in the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.
She cited that during the seminar conducted by Rainbow: Rights Philippines, an organization forwarding the rights of people of other sexual orientation gender identity and expression last February 16, the issue that there was no representative from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) in the Anti-Discrimination Conciliation and Mediation Board was raised.
“It is therefore only fitting to include representatives from the LGBT community and the IGDD in order for them to aid the board in addressing the sensitive issues concerning gender discrimination,” she said.
She said the ordinance covered all manner of discrimination, including race-ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
It was also discussed that filing of complaints about discriminatory acts be made more accessible, either through the Philippine National Police desks or the Punong Barangay instead of filing the complaint through the City Mayor’s Office.
“This proposal will streamline the process of addressing grievances, make the procedure manageable for those living in barangays far from the downtown area, and allow more complainants to come forward to voice their concerns,” she said. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)
