The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol through the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) celebrates the 4th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week on October 18-24.

For this year it adopted the theme: “Bata ay Gabayan, Batas sa Juvenile Justice Bigyan Daan!” which focuses on the continued efforts of government agencies, non-government agencies, and non-government agencies and other partners and stakeholders to protect the rights of the children in conflict with the law (CICL) and the children at risk (CAR) in ensuring a bright future for them.

Proclamation Number 459 signed by his Excellency Benigno C. Aquino III declared 4th week of October of every year as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week.

This is in conjunction with the annual celebration of the National Children’s Month. The state recognizes the need to mainstream awareness and consciousness of the Filipino people to emphasize the rights of every Filipino youth including the children at risk and children in conflict with the law (CICL).

DSWD Asst. Director Arwin Razo shared that this year’s celebration aims to raise the awareness of the Bicolanos on the current issues, status and condition of the Children In Conflict with the Laws (CICL’s) and Children at Risks (CAR) with the help of the stakeholders and media partners.

A fun walk cum Zumba and a short program signals the start of the week’s celebration. This was led by Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal and other members of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council such as; DILG, DOH, PNP, BJMP, LGU Bulan, COMPRE children, DepEd, CHR , media partners and DSWD. This was followed by a press conference at La Roca Veranda Suites and Restaurant.

The Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (RJJWC) believe that the mass media play an active role in the promotion of child rights and delinquency prevention by relaying consistent messages through a balance approach.

The RJJWC hopes that every awareness raising activity conducted, we are able to strengthen the commitment of each duty bearer to perform their respective function s in ensuring that the rights of the children are being protected at all times.# # # #eejerusalem