Daba calls for submission of position papers on proposed amendment of Children’s Code of CdeO

COUNCILOR Reuben R. Daba, chair of the City Council committee on social services, encourages concerned agencies to submit their respective position papers on the proposed amendment of Ordinance No. 10536-2007, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Children’s Welfare Code of Cagayan de Oro City.

This developed after the committee, in coordination of the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD), Tuesday convened with different sectors to gather proposals and suggestions on the matter.

CURFEW

One of the provisions up for amendment is Section 37 on Curfew Hours for Children.

The ordinance provides that no person below 15 years old shall roam, wander around, standby or loiter in around market places, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, cocktail lounges, massage clinics, beer houses, plazas, parks, recreation halls, and all other similar establishments, after 10:00 PM and before 5:00AM, except however, on the eve of the town fiesta, Charter Day and other local holidays for the city, Christmas, New Year, All Souls Day, All Saints Day, Good Friday, Holy Thursday up to the Resurrection day or those who have just attended in and are going home from school classes, civic or religious gatherings or social occasions.

According to Teddy Sabuga-a of CSWD, this provision is also indicated in the Parental Responsibility Code of the city, specifically Section 8(p) which was recently approved by the City Council.

He said the curfew hours for children may be referred to the Parental Code where parents are more responsible for their children.

Sabuga-a cited that a child cannot be penalized for violating curfew hours.

“Dili ma penalize ang bata kay walay criminal liability, so ang parents naang liable niini,” he stressed.

He also suggested that Curfew Hours be changed to Protected Hours for Children.

For his part, Engr. Isidro Borja of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) suggested that the period of time as provided in the ordinance also be amended.

He said it should also cover all public places and not just specific establishments.

BARANGAY LEVEL

Councilor Daba appealed to all barangay councils to help implement the ordinance for the protection of children.

“Gihangyo ko ang atong mga barangay sa ilang area of responsibility nga sila ang magabantay niana ug sila ang mag-implementar,” he said.

Daba, likewise, requested the City Budget Office to allocate funds for the barangay to enforce the ordinance.

Councilors Maria Lourdes S. Gaane and George S. Goking were also present during the meeting.