Published on: May 21, 2023 | By: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

May 09-18, 2023 | The Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government IX, conducted a series of functionality assessments for the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) in the all Provinces including Zamboanga City and Isabela City.

The primary objective of this endeavor was to appraise the councils’ capacity to safeguard the well-being and security of children and women residing within the region, with a keen focus on evaluating their efficacy and operational efficiency.

The LCPC serves as a government entity that upholds and advocates for the rights and well-being of children within their respective localities. They play a crucial role in promoting and ensuring the protection of children’s welfare, as well as safeguarding their rights, all while operating at a community-based level.

The LCAT-VAWC is another instrumentality entrusted with the responsibility of managing and executing initiatives geared towards thwarting and addressing incidents of trafficking and violence inflicted on women and children in the vicinity.

Other than DILG IX, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IX, Council on Welfare of Children (CWC) IX, Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare of Children Committee (RJJWC) IX, Department of Health (DOH) IX, Department of Education (DepEd) IX, National Nutrition Council (NNC) IX, Philippine National Police – Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO) IX, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX, National Economic Development and Authority (NEDA) IX, and Kalambuan sa Katilingban, Inc. (KKI) were also present to conduct the assessment.

Throughout the assessment period, the team visited the three (3) provinces, Zamboanga City and Isabela City. The RIAMTF focused on checking the functionality and effectiveness of the LCPC and LCAT-VAWC in these localities, looking into their policies, programs, and initiatives in addressing child protection, anti-trafficking, and violence against women and children.

Additionally, the team engaged in insightful dialogues with prominent stakeholders, including government officials, council members, as well as representatives from civil society organizations and local communities. These exchanges sought to garner valuable perspectives on the councils’ efficacy, pinpoint deficiencies in their functioning and unearth avenues for enhancement.

Furthermore, the team conducted site visits to observe the actual implementation of programs and initiatives by the LCPC and LCAT-VAWC. They assessed the councils’ coordination with various government agencies and their engagement with local communities. The team also evaluated the councils’ responsiveness to reported cases of child abuse, trafficking, and violence against women and children.

Once the assessments are concluded, the RIMTF presented a comprehensive report about the assessment, insightful recommendations, and best practices witnessed throughout the evaluation process. This report shall manifest as an invaluable compass, enlightening LGUs on how to fortify their LCPC and LCAT-VAWC entities, empowering them to magnify their prowess in safeguarding and championing the sacred rights and well-being of the vulnerable children and women dwelling within their areas of jurisdictions.