11/08/2026
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), with the full support of the Provincial Government of Masbate under the leadership of Hon. Atty. Richard T. Kho, Provincial Governor, successfully conducted the School-Based and Community-Based Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign on Special Laws on Children and Youth at Tanque National High School, Pio V. Corpus, Masbate.
The activity was conducted in partnership with the Schools Division Office of Masbate, with the aim of strengthening learners’ awareness of their rights, responsibilities, and the legal protections afforded to children and youth under Philippine laws. It also addressed relevant concerns such as bullying, retaliation, misconduct, abuse, exploitation, and other issues affecting the welfare, safety, and well-being of learners.
The campaign featured discussions on five important laws: Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013; Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act; Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act; and Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004.
The sessions were facilitated by the participating youth leaders and resource persons, with discussions delivered by Ms. Ashley Bernal, DFSLLG President; Ms. Nica A. Cervantes, DFSLLG Vice President; Ms. Nicole Irich A. Porgatorio, DFSSLG Secretary and Mr. Nino P. Valencia, PDO-I. Also supporting the activity as facilitators were Mr. Jerry A. Biel, PDO-I, and Ms. Jean A. Desabille, DFSSLG PIO. The discussions provided relevant knowledge and practical insights on the laws, emphasizing the importance of recognizing violations, understanding one’s rights, and knowing where and how to seek appropriate help and intervention.
The activity also featured a message from Ms. Josephine Tambago-Paje, RSW, Social Welfare Officer III and former Youth Welfare Program Focal Person, who emphasized the importance of awareness, responsibility, and collective action in promoting the protection and welfare of children and young people.
Through the IEC campaign, learners and community stakeholders were encouraged to become more informed and responsible members of their communities and to contribute to creating safe, supportive, inclusive, and child-friendly environments both in school and at home.
The activity concluded with an open forum and closing remarks from Marc Thom Sanchez Atabay, RSW, Social Welfare Officer I and Youth Welfare Program Focal Person, reinforcing the shared responsibility of schools, families, communities, and government agencies in preventing violence, protecting children, and promoting the rights and welfare of young people.
The Provincial Government of Masbate, through the PSWDO, remains committed to strengthening partnerships with schools and other stakeholders in advancing child protection, promoting awareness of relevant laws, and ensuring that children and youth are empowered to become responsible, law-abiding, and socially aware members of the community.