Posted on

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 – Central Visayas (DSWD FO-7) joined the Department of Labor and Employment Region VII (DOLE-7) in conducting an Information and Service Caravan on the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program on March 26, 2026, in Malabuyoc, Cebu, in celebration of National Women’s Month and Girl Child Week.

SHIELD Focal Person Ms. Glenda N. Riel from DSWD FO-7, Ms. Cynthia Bersabal of RCWC-7, and member-agencies of the RCACL Central Visayas, including the DOJAC-7, DILG-7, and DA-7 pose for a group photo at the Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program held at the Municipal Covered Court in Malabuyoc, Cebu on March 26, 2026, in celebration of National Women’s Month and Girl Child Week.

Representing DSWD FO 7 through the Project Strategic Helpdesk for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Other Developmental (SHIELD) Program were Information Officer II Mr. Yuan Andrew Q. Vivar and SHIELD Program Focal Person Ms. Glenda N. Riel, who engaged residents of Malabuyoc through information services and program awareness activities. Also in attendance were Ms. Cynthia Bersabal, Regional Coordinator of the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children–7 (RCWC-7), and member agencies of the Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL) Central Visayas, including the Department of Justice Action Center–Region VII (DOJAC-7), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-7), and the Department of Agriculture–Central Visayas (DA-7).

The activity commenced with a tree planting and the signing of a Pledge of Commitment, followed by orientations on Republic Act No. 9231, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, and on available programs and services addressing child labor. During these sessions, DSWD informed community members of the mechanisms by which they can seek and receive government assistance.

A service caravan followed, during which participating agencies set up booths, giving Malabuyoc residents direct access to a wide range of government programs and services in one venue. The activity was concluded with a closing message by Ms. Marites G. Mercado, Chief of the DOLE-7 Cebu Provincial Field Office, who expressed gratitude to all participating agencies and underscored the value of sustained inter-agency collaboration in protecting the rights and welfare of children.

DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the rights and welfare of every child and woman, forging partnerships and bringing government services closer to communities across Region VII. ###