KORONADAL City– The city government will partner with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the establishment of residential care facility for children in conflict with the law (CICL).
City Mayor Peter Miguel said Monday they are set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DSWD in Region 12 for the joint development and operationalization of an Intensive Juvenile Intervention and Support Center or “Bahay Pag-asa” in the city.
He said the Sangguniang Panlungsod or city council approved last week a resolution that authorizes him to sign the MOA with the DSWD on behalf of the local government.
Under the proposed agreement, the DSWD, through its field office in Region 12, will release an initial P3.5 million to the local government facilitate the establishment of the facility.
The agency was tasked to guide the city government in the construction of the building and assist the establishment of a system for its operations.
DSWD-12 will also provide guidance in the hiring of personnel who will be assigned at the facility as well as handle their training.
On the part of the city government, the mayor said they were tasked to provide for the site of the “Bahay Pag-asa.”
Miguel said the local government is currently working on the acquisition of a 400 square-meter lot in Barangay Siodina for the project’s site.
He said the budget for the lot’s acquisition is already undergoing deliberation at the city council and they expect to complete the required processes for the purchase within the next three months.
“We’re targeting to start the project’s construction before the end of the year or early 2016,” he said.
A “Bahay Pag-asa” is a 24-hour child-caring institution that offers short term residential care for CICL who are above 15, but less than 18 years of age, and awaiting court disposition; above 12 to 15 years of age who committed serious crime with commitment order issued by the court; above 12 to 15 years of age who are repeat offenders; and, above 12 to below 18 years of age who are considered to be neglected, abandoned, or abused.
The establishment of the facility in various localities in the country was set in Republic Act 10630 or an “Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines.”
Under the law, the “Bahay Pag-asa” is managed by a multi-disciplinary team composed of a social worker, a psychologist/mental health professional, a medical doctor, an educational guidance counselor, and a member of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.
They are mandated to work on an individualized intervention plan with the child and the child’s family.
Miguel said the planned facility will host at least 30 CICLs who will all be coming from the city.
He said the “Bahay Pag-asa” will have ward quarters, prayer room, library, counseling room, activity area and a clinic. pna
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