CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has joined other local government units (LGUs) in Cebu Province in formally adopting the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination (CANE+D).
The provincial launch at a hotel in Mandaue City was led by Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, and attended by mayors, vice mayors, members of the Provincial Board, law enforcement agencies, and representatives of national government offices.
The event marked a collective commitment to strengthen child protection systems across the province.
Vida, in his speech, emphasized that child protection must remain at the forefront of policymaking and service delivery, noting that the ceremonial signing was a reaffirmation of the government’s promise to prioritize children’s welfare.
The revised protocol was developed by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC), chaired by the DOJ, through consultations with stakeholders implementing Republic Act No. 7610, the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and other recently enacted child protection measures.
It provides a systematic framework for barangay officials, teachers, health workers, social workers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and courts to ensure that interventions are carried out in the best interest of the child.
The updated guidelines cover identification, reporting, investigation, case management, legal proceedings, rehabilitation, reintegration, and prevention of child abuse cases.
They also integrate provisions from newer laws such as Republic Act No. 11648, which raised the age of sexual consent to 16, and Republic Act No. 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, which addresses online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government, all LGUs are directed under Memorandum Circular 2026 036 to institutionalize these updated protocols, strengthen referral systems, and build capacity among local councils and social welfare offices to ensure effective implementation.
During the launch, officials signed a wall of commitment and the Cebu provincial government formalized its support through a memorandum of understanding with the DOJ.
Cebu City was represented by Department of Social Welfare Services head Portia Basmayor, who attended on behalf of Mayor Nestor Archival.
The city pledged to improve its referral and case management system, ensuring closer coordination among social workers, law enforcement, health professionals, educators, and prosecutors in responding to cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. — (FREEMAN)