The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) marks the 17th anniversary of the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) or Republic Act 9344, as amended, on May 20, 2023, in Pampanga, with the theme, “Patuloy sa Pagsulong ng Pagbabago para sa Batang Pilipino”.
This year’s celebration will focus on strengthening children participation with the conduct of a policy forum with children and youth. It aims to showcase the milestones in the implementation of the JJWA, increase awareness of beneficiaries, stakeholders, duty-bearers, and the general public on the law and its implementation, particularly on the Juvenile Justice Management Information System (JJ-MIS), Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP), and protocols, identify means and venues to uphold children and youth participation in JJWA advocacy, and gather policy recommendation relative to strengthening children and youth participation in JJWA advocacy.
“The activity is also seen as a good platform for children and youth to have a sense of involvement in decision-making and participate in the discussions on matters that affect them, particularly on child rights promotion and protection and implementation of the JJWA,” said JJWC Executive Director Atty. Tricia Clare A. Oco.
Among the participants of the activity are residents and social workers from Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA) San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) Pampanga, and JJWC National and Regional Secretariat.
“This forum is a safe space for our children and youth to discuss and share their experiences and perspectives. We at the JJWC are all ears to their opinions and policy recommendations on children and youth participation in JJWA implementation and advocacy,” Atty. Oco emphasized.
