The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through its Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF) namely the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and the Home for Girls (HFG) in Bonbon, Butuan City, joins the nation in the celebration of Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (CSAAW) on February 24, 2022.

Atty. Kenneth D. Minglana, Legal Officer from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur was invited by RRCY to share information about Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, provide awareness to children and staff of the different laws governing it and how to make our environment a safe one.

This opportunity allowed the residents to learn more about child sexual abuse and exploitation, how to respond in situation like so and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

To strengthen the promotion of the right of the child, residents were also given the chance to showcase their talents through dancing and singing and was able to practice sportsmanship and teamwork through joining in the quiz bee and several games prepared for them.

Activities such as Search for Mr. RRCY Valentino, Spoken Poetry Contest and games were conducted at RRCY which was participated by both residents and staff from the said center.

On the other hand, culmination program at the HFG was highlighted by a Search for Ms. Ambassador for CSAP and the awarding of all games was graced by Protective Services Division Chief, Jessie Catherine B. Aranas.

Aside from that, HFG held a showcasing of talent, Quiz bee and Film showing activity which was also participated by the residents and staff inside the said center.

These kinds of activities organized by DSWD for its CRCF clients does not only provide them information on how to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation but also allowing them to socialize, to share and develop their talents and participate in a nationwide celebration such as this.

This celebration is in observance of Presidential Proclamation No. 731 series of 1996 that declares the 2nd week of February of every year as “National Awareness for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation” or also known as “Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (CSAAW).

DSWD will actively work on securing the safety and welfare of the children as the agency also continues to work on response mechanisms towards ending child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Thus, bannering the theme, “Every Child Matters, Stop Sexual Abuse!” and “We must protect boys, just as we protect girls.”#