Proposed child protection policy undergoes cmte review

The proposed ordinance establishing the Child Protection Policy of Cagayan de Oro City, introduced by City Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, is currently undergoing committee-level review and refinement.

The committee on social services, chaired by Councilor Rodriguez, convened a meeting on January 14 to deliberate on the proposed measure.

The review of the proposed ordinance is spearheaded by the Technical Working Group of the Local Council for the Protection of Children and seeks to strengthen mechanisms that protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, while upholding their rights and promoting their development as responsible and law-abiding citizens.

Representatives from key agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation, the Regulatory Compliance Board, the City Legal Office, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the City Youth Development Office, among others, were invited to the discussion and provided inputs on the proposed policy.

Several points were raised, such as the revisions in some provisions of the draft ordinance and the penalties for hotel managers, owners, and staff who perpetuate child trafficking and exploitation, as well as media outlets or entities that violate ethical standards in reporting, particularly in cases involving the unauthorized disclosure or use of children’s identities.

The CSWD representative cited the funding aspect of the program so that the city government can regularly conduct social audit, proper intervention program, and monitoring of children.

The TWG also suggested the mandatory institutionalization of a children’s congress for every barangay, stating that it is an avenue where children can freely speak about their issues and concerns.

Following the discussion, Councilor Rodriguez urged the concerned offices, especially the City Legal Office, to submit any additional comments or proposed revisions to his office for incorporation into the draft ordinance.

Further deliberation on the proposed child protection policy is scheduled for the committee’s next meeting on February 3, 2026. (SPE/SP)