Bohol reconstitutes 
Child-welfare council 

TAGBILARAN CITY, November 23 (PIA)--Through Executive Order Number 16 dated November 9, 2015, Governor Edgar Chatto reconstituted the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC). 

The move is to ensure synchronization and integration of policies, programs and projects for children, according to the EO. Chatto said there is also a need to strengthen the LCPCs in all government units for the efficient and effective implementation of all policies, programs and projects fir the well being of children. 

The LCPC shall be responsible for the planning and spearheading programs of children in the locality with the end view of making the locality child friendly. 

Its functions include the crafting of a comprehensive Provincial Program for Children (PPC), review and integrate city and town programs and projects needing assistance into the PPC, monitor and review its implementation, submit quarterly reports on the implementation of PPC to the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) through the Provincial Development Council (PDC). 

PCWC also recommend policies and programs to the RSCWC and PDC, provide needed technical assistance to councils when called, mobilize resource assistance in support of child related activities as recommended by local councils, advance for the passage of ordinances pertinent to child survival, protection, participation and development with appropriate funding support as well as identify and recommend programs and services to be contracted for implementation by NGOs and other entities in the implementation of the Bohol Children's Code. 

The council, a localization of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) as mandated by the Republic Act 9344, or commonly the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, the PCWC plays a key role in the protection of children, particularly in coordinating with and assisting the Local Government Units in the formulation of a comprehensive plan on juvenile delinquency prevention and in the overseeing of the law's proper implementation. 

The United Nation's Convention of the Rights of the Child has stipulated that every child has the right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

For this, the Philippines enacted Republic 7610 which is commonly called the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. 

Also called the Child Protection Law, it provides for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination and providing corresponding penalties. 

Corollary to this, the Department of Interior and Local Government has been mandated to oversee the organization and functionality of the LCPC, thus allowing the agency to issue memorandum circulars enjoining LGUs to organize local CPC that will lead the implementation of the children's programs in their respective localities. 

In Bohol, Provincial ordinance No. 2000-30 puts the Bohol Children's Code and provides for the creation of the PCWC. 

The PCWC is now composed of the governor as the chairperson.

Its members include Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee chair of Women and Family Affairs, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Health Officer, Social Welfare and development Officer, Schools Division Superintendent, Provincial Youth and Sports Coordinator, Provincial ABC President, Provincial LMP President, Police Director, Leagl Officer, DSWD Officer, DILG Officer, Labor Officer, Prosecutor, Information Agency Officer, Local Finance Council, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, World Vision and a child representative. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)