MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection during the Regional Meeting of Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) held Wednesday at the Manila Hotel.

Representing the DSWD, Undersecretary Adonis Sulit highlighted initiatives aimed at preventing violence against children, including the establishment of a 10-hectare agricultural rehabilitation camp for children in conflict with the law (CICL). The facility, developed in partnership with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, Bureau of Corrections, and Department of Justice, will offer livelihood skills training and support reintegration into society.

Sulit also emphasized programs targeting human trafficking, child labor, and street children. Since 2021, the SHIELD Against Child Labor Program has assisted over 12,000 minors, while the Pag-Abot Program has reached nearly 1,200 street children since 2023.

To address poverty-related vulnerabilities, the DSWD continues initiatives under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Supplementary Feeding Program, strengthening family welfare and mitigating socioeconomic risks that expose children to abuse.

The agency has also intensified efforts against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and the proliferation of child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) in collaboration with local government units and private partners, including Meta Philippines.

Sulit said the Philippines is committed to cross-sectoral collaboration under the Pathfinding Global Alliance, sharing best practices and innovations to protect children and ensure measurable impact. (PNA)