BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Child and Family Service Philippines Inc. (CFSPI) calls for collective action to protect children against violence and any form of abuses.
CFSPI, a non-government organization based in Baguio City, is dedicated to the rights of children in need of special protection, specifically girls aged 6 to 17 who are victims of abuses. Its goal is to prevent child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
It also caters to clients being referred by local government units.
Ulysses Dalog of CSFPI said that in 2022, they were able to cater to 57 clients, most of whom were victims of sexual abuse, followed by physical abuse, neglect, and trafficking. Said number is apart from cases that have been forwarded to other shelters, reported to the police or unreported.
Dalog stressed that it is vital for the public to report any violence or abuse they come across for the authorities to provide the necessary intervention.
Ulysses Dalog of CFSPI talks about children protection during the Usapang PIA Teleradyo Program on Thursday, 09 November 2023.
“Very important po na tayo ay mag-report kung mayroon po tayong mga nakita. Kahit hindi po tayo ‘yung involved, i-report po natin, dun po tayo makakatulong,” he said.
He admitted that violence against children have increased especially during the COViD-19 pandemic. He called this “bittersweet” noting that while the number of cases is concerning, they are grateful that these are being reported.
“Marami pa ring insidente pero nagpapasalamat kami at nare-report pa rin sila,” he stated.
Dalog reiterated that the law prohibits corporal punishment for children. He instead emphasized open communication and encouraged the parents to have an honest conversation with their kids.
The CFSPI, as one of the shelters in the region, conducts the caring, healing, and teaching structure, which is part of its protection and recovery program. It provides for the basic needs of its clients and teaches them basic life skills and household chores so they can be resilient. The CFSPI also partnered with psychologists and therapy centers to address the mental health needs its clients.
“Proprotektahan namin ‘yung bata na mapupunta sa amin at kami ay tutulong sa kanilang recovery para paglabas nila ng CFSPI ay ready po sila na ituloy ang kanilang buhay at maharap ang iba pang challenges.”
When the children finally leave the shelter, the CFSPI will continue to monitor them for a year and provide any necessary assistance, Dalog said. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
