DILG Memorandum Circular dated August 21, 2008, encourages Local Government Units to organize the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC). This is pursuant to Republic Act 4881, or an act creating a Local Council for the Protection of Children.

In reality, not all the LGUs have an organized LCPC or BCPC. If there is an existing council, it is either just a community structure or not operational. However, in Bulan, Sorsogon, there are two barangays with functional Barangay Council for the Protection of Children; Barangay M. Roxas and Zone 7. Barangay Captain Fernando Gulpo said that the thrust of his present administration is focused on the welfare of children and family. He wants to see the children particularly in his community to be safe from harm, free from abuses and that no children should be left behind. In Barangay 7, Barangay Captain Rey Lorilla is one with Barangay Captain Gulpo in their advocacy effort on drug and child abuse presentation. “I want to see Barangay 7 to drug and a child abuse free community.” Barangay Captain Lorilla disclosed. The two Barangay Chief Executives regularly coordinate with the social workers and other concerned agencies to discuss child welfare concerns during community assemblies. They also have a regular meeting of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children In their respective barangays. The two leaders share that if there are minors who commit petty crimes, they would not only talk to the offenders, but an open dialogue with the parents is being done.

On June 25, 2014, there were seven minors reported who were involved in gang rape of a 13-year-old girl. The four boys who are all 15 years old were released by the court to the DSWD’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Sorsogon City for the necessary intervention program while the rest of the boys with ages 11, 13 and 14 were turned over to the BCPC of Barangay M Roxas. Since there is no facility in the area where the children could stay, Barangay Captain Gulpo took the responsibility of taking care of the boys. When asked why he volunteered to take custody of the children, the Barangay Captain said that it his responsibility to take them being the chair of the BCPC. Likewise, the children need to be helped and be given necessary care and attention. They need close supervision especially that the boys are all in school. The minors were provided separate shelter in the compound of the Barangay Captain’s residence. Rules and regulations were set. Upon waking up in the morning, they have to fix their beddings, clean their surrounding and wash the dishes before going to school. A curfew hour was also set. At eight o’ clock in the evening, the three boys have to be in bed. Study habits were also developed in them with the Barangay Captain himself supervised their study activities. Also, part of the intervention given by the Barangay Captain is for them to have a backyard garden. Part of their produce is given to their respective parents and some are for their food consumption.

Barangay Captain Gulpo proudly shares that the children are not treated as offenders but as his children. The boys together with the Gulpo’s family hear mass on Sundays. He also ensures that he is able to visit and talk with the children’s parents to discuss matters on the minors concern. “ Ipinapaliwanag ko rin sa mga magulang ng mga bata na dapat kami ay magtulungan para sa ikabubuti ng mga bata.” The barangay captain said.

In August 2015, the three minors were already returned to their respective parents but with continuous monitoring of the Barangay Captain and will also report to the social working in-charge of the minors for a counseling session with their parents.

Taking custody of the minors is learning experience not only me but the BCPC as well. “There is a need to strengthen the organization and functionality of the Local Council for the Protection of Children”, Barangay Captain Gulpo said. Barangay Captains Lorilla and Gulpo will help promote for the functionality of the LCPC in their municipality and together with the minors who were under his custody will be an active advocate for the welfare of children. Their vision is to have the municipality of Bulan, Sorsogon a drug and a child abuse free municipality. # # # #eejerusalem