The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, chair of the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) Caraga, together with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, signed a Joint Policy Advisory calling on all Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region to intensify actions against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), November 27, 2025.
Held in line with the celebration of National Children’s Month, the signing highlights the region’s strengthened inter-agency commitment to ensuring safer communities for children.
As Chair of the RCWC, DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga emphasized the importance of a unified, multisectoral approach to child protection.
“DSWD Field Office Caraga and the RCWC have always championed multisectoral coordination, and this advisory is an embodiment of that principle,” she said.
Dir. Dollaga also recognized and lauded the Commission on Human Rights Caraga for consistently fulfilling its mandate in the protection of children’s rights.
“We commend CHR Caraga for steadfastly performing its role—upholding the rights of children, ensuring accountability, and working collaboratively with all of us in preventing violations. Their commitment strengthens our collective efforts and gives victims and families a voice that is heard and protected.”
She further reminded LGUs of their crucial role as the closest government unit to families and communities.
“LGUs are our first responders. Naa ninyo ang awtoridad ug kapasidad nga makahimo og luwas nga palibot, makapalig-on sa mga pamilya, makapataas sa kahibalo, ug makapalig-on sa referral pathways. Ug labi sa tanan, masiguro nga walay kaso sa pag-abuso ug eksploytasyon nga malaktawan o mapasagdan.”
Furthermore, she underscored that the joint advisory provides LGUs with a clearer framework and a stronger mandate to act swiftly and decisively. She also reiterated DSWD’s ongoing commitment: “As Chair of RCWC, DSWD will sustain its interventions through case management, psychosocial support, community empowerment, and capacity building to support victims, families, and our local partners.”
She closed with a message of hope and unity, “When institutions unite, protection becomes stronger. When leaders act, children become safer. And when communities stand together, exploitation has no place to thrive.”
Director Dollaga extended gratitude to CHR, DILG, RCWC members, and LGUs for their cooperation and encouraged continuous concrete action in all barangays, municipalities, and cities across Caraga Region.
The Joint Policy Advisory is expected to bolster local child protection mechanisms, enhance reporting and referral pathways, and reinforce community-led action against OSAEC and CSAEM.
