Awareness Week for Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

MANILA, Philippines – Recognizing that child sexual abuse and exploitation are social realities in our country and constitute two of the most severe violations against the rights of children, Presidential Proclamation No. 731 issued February 5, 1996 has declared the second week of February every year as National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (NAWPCSAE). This year’s activities to mark the nationwide observance of NAWPCSAE are led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 13.

Although the past 14 years have seen a sustained effort to promote the protection of children through the cooperation of various stakeholders in national and local government agencies, non-government organizations, the academe, and other partners in civil society, much remains to be done. Child sexual abuse and exploitation have been largely underreported. And this has led to adverse effects on the child’s development as a person and on the values of society as a whole.

There is need for greater collaboration among all sectors and organizations, especially the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Transportation and Communications, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Information Agency, Council for the Welfare of Children, and other national agencies of government, local government units, the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, and non-government organizations in the nationwide campaign to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation.

It is hoped that the various activities being held to mark this year’s observance of NAWPCSAE will lead to adherence to laws and ordinances related to the welfare of children, and vigilance in reporting of suspected cases of child abuse to Department of Social Welfare and Development or law enforcement agencies. Schools would do well to integrate in their curriculum topics on how to prevent child abuse and exploitation.

As more people gain knowledge, deeper understanding, and a broader perspective of the phenomenon of child sexual abuse and exploitation, it is hoped there will be a more coordinated efforts and action for the protection of this vulnerable segment of our population. –Manila Bulletin