Every child has the right to be heard, protected, and supported to grow. But how can local governments make sure these rights are respected every day, in every barangay, and in every policy?
This was the key issue tackled by the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) through a recent training aimed at helping local leaders apply the four core principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in their programs and policies.
Understanding the issue
Even though there are strong national laws for children’s rights, many Filipino children still face challenges in being heard and protected.
Often, local policies are created without involving young people or truly addressing their needs.
RCWC believes that fully applying the four key UNCRC principles can help fix these gaps. These principles are: non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to survival and development, and respect for the views of the child.
To help local stakeholders put these principles into action, a five-day training session was held from March 31 to April 4 at Chalet Baguio Hotel in Baguio City.
Participants included representatives of local government units (LGUs), national agencies, and civil society organizations in Region 1.
The training focused on how to include child rights in local planning tools like the Local Development Plan for Children (LDPC), the Local Investment Plan for Children (LIPC), and the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC).
Julie-Ann Delen, Planning Officer I at the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), explained how important these principles are in ensuring children’s rights are fully respected.
“The four guiding principles of the UNCRC—non-discrimination, best interests of the child, right to survival and development, and respect for the views of the child—are always our anchor as stakeholders working with children,” Delen said.
She also stressed that involving children means more than just asking for their opinions—it requires safe and supportive spaces where they can truly participate in decisions.
Practical tools
Participants learned about helpful tools like the “Ladder of Child Participation” and nine essential requirements for meaningful child engagement. These include clear communication, voluntary participation, inclusivity, and ensuring safety—helping children feel valued and involved.
Erica R. Paywan-Florendo, Planning Officer II of CWC, highlighted the importance of using these principles to shape effective and child-friendly policies.
“This is a very important step in developing the language. The principles that form an attitude towards children together. This is for child rights programming,” she said.
The UNCRC’s Article 12, supported by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Presidential Decree No. 603, guarantees every child’s right to freely express their views on matters affecting them.
“The State is mandated to encourage children to be involved in civic affairs and decisions that affect their lives,” Delen said.
Moving forward
The sessions also connected the four child rights principles to national plans, like the Fourth National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), which aims to make children active participants in governance.
RCWC reminded LCPCs to prepare a Local Situationer—a report that shows the local status of children. This helps LGUs design child-focused programs based on real data.
RCWC encouraged local governments to apply the four child rights principles across all areas of governance. Doing so not only meets legal and international standards, but also helps create communities where children are safe, empowered, and able to take part in shaping a better future.
Sharing her personal experience, JingJing M. Talavera, from San Fernando City, La Union, highlighted the value of government programs in protecting children’s rights.
“As a parent, I appreciate the government’s efforts to protect and listen to children… For my child and my nephew, I believe these programs and laws truly help,” said Talavera.
Promoting child rights at the local level supports national efforts to strengthen social protection and reduce risks, especially for children.(CJMT, AIHR/PIA Region 1)
