The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) will lead the 14th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week (JJWeek) from November 24 to 28, 2025, with the theme, “JJWA: Bata’y May Pananagutan, Gabay at Kalinga ang Kaagapay.”
In line with this year’s National Children’s Month celebration in November, which advocates for ending online and sexual abuse and exploitation of children, the week-long celebration aims to raise public awareness of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act (JJWA) or Republic Act No. 9344, and to promote child rights-based approaches in handling cases of children in conflict with the law (CICL) and children at risk (CAR).
The JJWC has prepared several activities for the 14th JJWeek celebration:
· 14th JJWeek Kick-off Press Conference (November 24)
The JJWC and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead a discussion on key updates in juvenile justice, the Council’s stand on proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), and upcoming plans to strengthen restorative and child-sensitive justice in the country.
The activity aims to engage media partners and raise public awareness on the implementation of the JJWA and the continuing protection of children’s rights.
· JJWA 101: Learning Sessions for Students and Educators (November 26) and First National Forum on Child Protection and Safeguarding (November 27)
The activity will be held in selected schools in Metro Manila. The session aims to deepen students’ understanding of accountability under the JJWA or RA 9344, and to strengthen teachers’ and guidance counselors’ capacity to handle CAR and CICL using child rights-based and restorative approaches.
In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Restart Hope in Children in Conflict with the Law, Inc. (Restart), the activity will also promote anti-bullying awareness and bullying prevention among students. The discussion will cover the definition, types, and laws related to bullying, factors that make children vulnerable, and practical responses for both students and teachers.
The initiative also provides skills training, such as anger management, psychological first aid, and identifying red flags, with Restart’s occupational therapists and JJWC staff jointly facilitating the sessions.
Additionally, Miriam College has partnered with the JJWC for the First National Forum on Child Protection and Safeguarding on November 27, 2025, promoting further safer and more compassionate learning environments for all children.
· Art Competition
To promote creativity and self-expression among the youth under care, JJWC launched an art competition open to residents of Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA), the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), and other youth care facilities. Entries were accepted from October 13 to November 5, 2025. The winning artworks will receive cash prizes and be featured in JJWC’s future advocacy materials.
· Culminating Activity (November 28)
The celebration will conclude with an awarding ceremony recognizing winners of the Search for Bahay Pag-Asa Good Practice, honoring a center that exemplifies excellence in rehabilitative and child-centered programs. Winners of the 14th JJWeek Art Competition will also be announced during the event.