15/10/2026
The Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee VIII, under the leadership of Director Grace Q. Subong convened its quarterly meeting on September 15, 2026, at the Regional Operations Center (ROC), DSWD Field Office VIII Building, Candahug, Palo, Leyte.
The meeting was attended by representatives from key partner agencies, including the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), PLAN International Pilipinas, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Their participation underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing juvenile justice and child welfare initiatives in the region.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Committee’s Accomplishment Report, which provided updates on its programs, activities, and initiatives. Faculty members from Leyte Normal University (LNU) also presented updates on research development, prompting meaningful discussions among committee members on opportunities to strengthen evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice and welfare services.
The meeting also served as a venue for discussing other significant matters concerning the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in Region VIII. Through these discussions, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination, advancing research-driven initiatives, and enhancing the delivery of juvenile justice and welfare services.
In conclusion, the committee members recommended strategic mechanisms to further strengthen collaborative efforts in promoting the rights, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR) through restorative justice approaches. These efforts aim to ensure a more responsive, child-centered, and collaborative juvenile justice system in the region.
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council
DSWD Western Visayas