DSWD ready to help Bahay Pag-Asa facilities, calls for closer, more active LGU cooperation

This refers to the article, “Children in conflict with law” (Talk of the Town, 7/24/16), which tackled the issue concerning children in conflict with the law (CICL).

The article cited specific observations and experiences of CICL who have been admitted to various Bahay Pag-Asa facilities in the National Capital Region, such as the Yakap Bata in Caloocan, Manila Youth Reception Center, Makati Youth Home, Bahay Aruga in Pasig City, and Molave Youth Home in Quezon City.

Among the issues and concerns cited were:

• Lack of manpower to manage CICL cases under their care.
• Lack of meaningful substantial programs geared at rehabilitation.
• Monotonous programs being implemented.
• Corporal punishments implemented by house parents.
• Poor hygiene facilities that are not in conformity with the standards set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of 2015, or the Guidelines in the Operation of Bahay Pag-Asa.

Relative to this, we would like to clarify the following:

The establishment of Bahay Pag-Asa in every local government unit (LGU) is a mandate that LGUs need to comply with. However, compliance should be in accordance with the standards set by the DSWD.

The LGUs should implement programs that are responsive to the rehabilitation of CICL admitted to their facilities as per MC 18-2015.

Since the DSWD has already issued appropriate policies and standards, the apparent noncompliance by the LGUs signifies the need for intensive technical assistance and lobbying for support from the local chief executives, as well as close monitoring.

The department, through its NCR field office, continues to coordinate with the city social welfare development offices (CSWDOs) and is ready to provide the needed technical assistance to ensure that the Bahay Pag-Asa facilities in their respective jurisdictions are fully functional and compliant with  set standards.

We hope this clarifies the matter.

—CEZARIO JOEL C. ESPEJO, director, Social Marketing Service, Department of Social Welfare and Development