The community coordinators of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 – Central Visayas Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program participated in a comprehensive Child Protection Policy and Safe Spaces Act Orientation on January 30, 2025, in Cebu City.
The Tara, Basa! Regional Program Management Office spearheaded this activity to ensure that field staff, who will be deployed to local government units and/or elementary schools, are well-equipped with essential knowledge on child protection and safe spaces. Given their direct interaction with children—the program beneficiaries—these coordinators must be fully aware of the policies that safeguard the children’s rights and well-being.
The Child Protection Policy orientation conducted by Ms. Ligaya Dael, the sectoral welfare for children focal person and head of the Social Technology Unit under the Innovations Division of DSWD 7, includes key topics on the legal definition of a child, potential risks when working with children, and an overview of the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children and the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee, both chaired by the Department.
This session reinforced the need for strict adherence to child protection guidelines to create a safe and nurturing environment for beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Republic Act 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law, was thoroughly discussed by Ms. Xhelxea Francesca Lerios, the lead secretariat of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Violence Against Women and Children Region 7.
The discussion emphasized various forms of sexual harassment covered by the law, including verbal, physical, and online harassment, as well as inappropriate remarks or actions that compromise a person’s dignity and safety.
The session also provided insights on legal repercussions for violators, the programs and services available to support victims, as well as exemptions and confidentiality measures under the law.
Both topics underscored the vital role of child protection and safe spaces in DSWD’s advocacy. Ensuring that field staff are knowledgeable about these policies is critical in promoting a secure and supportive educational setting.
As community coordinators of Tara, Basa!, the participants will be working closely with child beneficiaries, college students, and parents, who are mostly women, throughout the 20-day program. Their understanding of child protection laws and safe spaces policies is imperative in maintaining a learning environment that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and overall welfare of each involved child. ###
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