COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Last September 27, 2007, I had the privilege to attend the general assembly of Davao City’s Council for the Welfare of Children held at the Dumoy Garden Resort, to represent the office of Hon. Mabel Sunga Acosta. It was a whole day activity, which was also attended by the other members of the Council, many of whom come from the academe, NGOs, and GOs both national and local offices, all with one directive – to exert every effort to promote the child’s welfare and enhance his/her opportunities for a useful and happy life.

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is the focal agency of the Philippine government for children’s concerns. It is mandated to formulate and evaluate policies, coordinate and monitor the implementation and enforcement of all laws and programs for children.

The general assembly had the following in its agenda:

1. Evaluation of the CWC as per its 2006 action plan

2. Assessment of the 4 gifts:

§ Amended Local Development Plan for Children

§ Amended Local Investment Plan for Children

§ Amended Children Welfare Code of Davao City

§ State of Children Report

3. Planning for 2007-2008

During the evaluation of the CWC action plan for the year 2006, the participants were divided into groups according to their committee membership to evaluate the committee’s performance in the previous year, and to further formulate policies for the general welfare of children.

The City’s CWC organizational structure is composed of an Executive Committee and 5 committees created to address the various concerns and needs of a child. Among them is the committee on Basic Education, Leisure, Recreation & Cultural Activities which the office of Hon. Mabel Sunga Acosta is member.

The evaluation was followed by the assessment of the 4 gifts with Ms. Mae Templa, from the office of Hon. Librado, giving inputs on it.

The assessment was later on followed by the planning for 2007-2008 of CWC’s action plan. The plans include, among others, continued coordination for the implementation and enforcement of all laws relative to the promotion of children, and to bolster efforts to protect & promote children’s rights.

After the general assembly, the participants had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the resort and gaze at the majestic beauty of the Davao Gulf.