Bogota: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), leading the Philippine delegation at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, pledged to adopt a whole-of-nation approach to tackle this critical issue. The commitment was made at the global conference held in Bogota, Colombia, where DSWD Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies, Elaine Fallarcuna, emphasized the need for a robust child protection systems strategy integrated into the country’s legal and policy frameworks.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine government has committed to institutionalizing multidisciplinary teams across all cities, municipalities, and public hospitals by 2030. These teams, composed of doctors, police officers, social workers, lawyers, and other professionals, will employ a trauma-informed approach to manage cases of violence against children. Additionally, the government aims to enhance foster care and adoption services by
increasing the number of foster parents and expediting domestic adoption processes.

The government further pledged to ensure children’s meaningful participation in policy-making processes, particularly those affecting child victim-survivors. To support this, a substantial number of children will be included in the drafting, implementation, and evaluation of relevant policies at both national and local levels.

In terms of resource allocation, Fallarcuna announced that at least three percent of the general fund will be dedicated to child-protection programs, with annual budget increases planned from 2024 to 2030. This allocation aims to ensure that resources are properly identified and attributed to child-protection initiatives.

The strategy also includes developing child protection systems with a focus on educational institutions, creating child protection specialists, and incorporating these measures into national legislation and local policies. To address financial stress on parents, the government plans
to offer economic support and evidence-based parenting sessions, promoting non-violent discipline techniques.

Finally, the Philippine government intends to create a safer digital environment for children by implementing a strategic plan in 2025 to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation. This plan will address both online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and the circulation of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials.