Integrating Children's Rights in Barangay Disaster ... - INEE Toolkit

3. Protect and assist abandoned children or maltreated children and dependents.4. Take steps to prevent juvenile delinquency and assist parents of children with behavioralproblems so that they can get expert advise.5. Adopt measures for the health of children.6. Provide the opening and maintenance of playgrounds and day care centers and other servicesthat are necessary for child and youth welfare.7. Coordinate the activities of organizations devoted to the welfare of children and securetheir cooperation.8. Promote wholesome entertainment in the communities, especially in movie houses9. Assist parents whenever necessary in securing expert guidance counseling from the propergovernment or private welfare agencies.10.Hold classes and seminars on proper rearing of children.11.Distribute to parents available literature and information on child guidance.Culturally Acceptable MechanismAs a community-based undertaking, the BCPC has to be culturally-acceptable to stakeholders.It may adopt programs and approaches that match the socio-cultural characteristics of a particularcommunity. This is consistent with certain provisions in the Indigenous People’s RightsAct (IPRA), the Local Government Code, and CWC positions which recognize the multiculturalcomplexion of many communities in the country, particularly those inhabited by theIP and the Moro people.The DILG Memorandum Circular 2002-121 has highlighted that CPCs are expected to “formulateplans, programs, and policies for children that are gender-fair, culturally relevant andresponsive to the needs of diverse groups of children (below 18 years old).”Although limited, PD 8371 (IPRA, 1997) has relevant provisions on indigenous children andyouth as it enunciates the state’s recognition of the vital role that these children play in nationbuilding. IPRA also recognizes the rights of IP to use their own commonly accepted justicesystem, conflict resolution, peace building processes or mechanism, and other customary lawsand practices within their respective communities.The Special Protection of Children Act (RA 7610) has called for particular respect for therights of IP children against discrimination. It, among others, guarantees that they shall beentitled to protection, survival, and development consistent with the customs and traditionsof their respective communities.These rights also apply to communities inhabited by the Moro people. This is particularlysignificant in the light of the Bangsamoro assertion for the recognition and respect for theirway of life and the practice of self-governance.7 Promulgated at the time of the Marcos regime, PD 1083 ordains a law recognizing the systemFilipino Muslim laws and codifying the Muslim personal laws and providing for its administration,and for other purposes.93