Creation of child rights protection unit in Talisay sought

CEBU, Philippines - A proposed ordinance that seeks to establish a Child Rights Protection Unit in order to strengthen child protection mechanisms was approved by the Talisay City council on third and final reading last Tuesday. 

Councilor Eduardo R. Gullas III, chairman on council committee on Family, Women and Children, said the creation of the CRPU will help address issues regarding abused children and juveniles in conflict with the law. 

With the approval of the ordinance, Gullas said P200,000 will be set aside as initial funding for the institutionalization of the CRPU including the conduct of regular meetings and related activities. 

Every year the General Fund Budget will appropriate P100,000 to the unit. 

Gullas said the appropriation may be increased as the need arises and will be incorporated in any of the supplemental budgets of the city accounting and auditing requirements as well as to the availability of funds.

Under the approved ordinance, the CRPU will be composed of representatives from the five pillars of justice such as the city social welfare and development office, the Philippine National Police, City Health Officer, the Talisay City District Hospital, which will be  represented by the Chief of Hospital, city jail, Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Children, the Department of Education, which will be represented by Division Superintendent, the DILG, which will be represented by the Local Government Operations Officer, city public prosecutors, Public Attorney and non-government organizations. 

The function of the CRPU will formulate plans for the different comprehensive programs and services that will address the needs for children’s protection.

It will coordinate with different agencies for the implementation of programs and services.

The CRPU will also coordinate all cases involving children (child abuse, child labor, and child trafficking, children in conflict with the laws) for the judicious determination and appropriation of the Five Pillars of the Justice System and establish a Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach in the handling and management of children’s cases.

Gullas said the unit will also provide available medical and dental services to child abuse victims and children in conflict with the law and refer them to higher facilities, if necessary and integrate information education, communication campaign (IEC) on child abuse in various City Health Office program/projects. –