Manila to host international conference on child abuse

MANILA, Philippines - Hundreds of delegates from the Philippines and around the world are expected to attend the annual Ako Para Sa Bata (I Am For The Child) Manila Conference to be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Manila from Dec. 5 to 7.

Organized by the Child Protection Network Foundation (CPN), the three-day conference with the theme Creating Safe and Caring Environments for Children is set to discuss key issues and feasible measures to effectively combat child neglect.

“Child neglect is one of the most prevalent forms of child abuse. We forget abuse is not limited to the physical aspect, there are also many environmental factors that threaten the emotional wellness of children,” said Dr. Bernadette Madrid, executive director of CPN.

Last year’s conference proved to be a success as it was attended by more than 650 participants, including representatives from government and non-government organizations (NGOs), domestic and international law enforcement agencies, medical professionals, academia, as well as parents, social workers, youth and children organizations and the media.

 “We will be presenting a comprehensive review of the latest research, on-the-ground experience and different perspectives in tackling child neglect. By bringing together the diverse groups we hope to come up with recommendations that are inclusive, practical and doable in the Philippine setting,” said Dr. Stella Manalo, Organizing Committee Conference chair.

The two-day symposia will tackle a wide range of topics including media, sex and violence; proper media diet for children; family values in children; preventing child neglect and child endangerment; safe havens for children in times of disaster/in areas of conflict; caring homes; changing Filipino perspectives in adoption issues; non-violence in the school; and safety in the field, in court or at home.

Post Conference Workshops will be also conducted by the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, Inc., PsychConsult, Inc. and CPN itself.

“The nation cannot afford not to prevent the abuse of its children. Through proper support, training and resources, we can ensure every child gets the bright, safe and healthy future they deserve,” concluded Dr. Madrid.

Interested delegates and sponsors may contact the Event Manager, Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. at 750-8588/887-1304; fax no. 750-8585/887-1304 or e-mail ma[email protected]  for details.