The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) conducts an outreach program for the children of persons deprived of liberty on November 14, 2024 at Marawi City Jail. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
MARAWI CITY — The Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), conducted an outreach program and child rights awareness campaign at Marawi City Jail on November 14, 2024, as part of the Bangsamoro Children’s Month celebration. Over 70 children of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) participated in interactive activities organized by MSSD and its partner agencies.
Johynne Amilyn Nasa, MSSD’s regional focal person for the Child and Youth Welfare Program, said this year’s celebration aims to raise awareness on children’s rights while supporting vulnerable children across the Bangsamoro region.
“Our outreach program here in Marawi City Jail is the first in a series of activities that MSSD has prepared for this month,” Nasa said.
“Through activities and awareness campaigns like this, we aim to strengthen the Bangsamoro community’s knowledge on children’s rights and welfare,’ she added.
This year’s theme, “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Bangsamoro!” emphasizes the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for children by addressing issues like abuse, neglect, and violence.
During the program, the children enjoyed games and group activities. MSSD also distributed food packs, tumblers, caps, and umbrellas to the children and their parents. Hygiene kits were also given to women PDLs.
On the same day, MSSD and its partner agencies conducted jail visitation and monitoring at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail and Marawi City Jail to verify that no minors were being held in detention facilities. This initiative supports the government’s commitment to strengthening juvenile justice protections in the region.
Representatives from the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC), Ministry of Health (MOH), Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), and City Social Welfare and Development Office joined the said events.
The Bangsamoro Government continues to champion children’s rights as an integral part of its vision for a peaceful and inclusive community. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
