The winning artwork during the 14th Juvenile Justice and Consciousness Week (JJWeek), held last November 28, 2025, brought more than colors and strokes; it reflected the shared stories of children who are rebuilding their lives inside the Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA).
A child in conflict with the law (CICL) claimed the top prize with the artwork titled, “Batang Naligaw ng Landas, Tinulungan Makapagbago ng Batas (A Child Who Lost Their Way, Guided by the Law to Change),” a piece that reflects the experiences of CICLs who once lost their way but are now receiving intervention and guidance under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), or the Republic Act 9344, as amended.
Created by a CICL from the BPA Youth General Trias, Cavite, the painting shows a child confronting the consequences of one’s actions and finding hope through the support of social workers, house parents, other duty bearers, family, and the community. It symbolizes how the BPA becomes a space for CICL to reflect on their accountability and be helped to develop pro-social behavior and life skills for a better future.
While the artwork was officially submitted under one name, the young artist shared during the acceptance speech that the painting was a collective effort, shaped by the ideas of everyone in the facility.
The CICL emphasized that the very heart of the artwork belonged to many.
“Kung tutuusin po hindi lang po ako gumawa nitong artwork. Sama sama po kami (ng) mga kapwa residente ko. Hindi lang din po residente, pati po mga staff, social worker namin, kaya po nabuo ang idea na ito,” the CICL said.
(In fact, I didn’t create this artwork alone. It was made with my fellow residents. Not only the residents, but also our staff and social workers contributed, which is how this idea came to life.)
A total of 74 qualified entries were submitted by children and youth aged 21 and below under the care of BPAs, Regional Rehabilitation Centers for Youth (RRCY), and other Youth Care Facilities, from which 18 entries were selected as finalists.
The 14th JJWeek Art Competition aims to create an avenue for children to express their experiences inside rehabilitation facilities, the initiative also seeks to generate recommendations for policy and program formulation and advocacy through the written reflections accompanying their artworks.
Furthermore, these artworks will serve as advocacy campaign materials of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) for future initiatives, showcasing how the Juvenile Justice Law provides hope to children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL), inspiring positive change and transformation for a better future.