28 January 2009
HONORABLE MEMBERS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
WE, the undersigned members and partners of the Mindanao Convenors against Corporal Punishment (MCCoP), a network of child-focused institutions in four cities of Mindanao, namely: Davao City, General Santos City, Zamboanga City and Ozamis City have been in the forefront of a campaign to stop corporal punishment and to end all forms of violence against children in this island.
The 2006 World Report on Violence against Children by the United Nations had prompted the formation of the MCCoP in the middle part of 2007 through the effort of Save the Children Sweden to spearhead the campaign in Mindanao, the land where internal strife and poverty abound that further marginalize millions of its inhabitants especially women and children.
The campaign involved about two hundred teachers, principals and administrators of 20 public elementary and secondary schools, members of six religious groups, 21 student governing bodies and children’s organizations, 26 allied NGOs and civic groups, hundreds of LGU officials, barangay functionaries and BCPC members, daycare workers and care providers, and other sectors in Mindanao.
The results of our two-year campaign in schools, homes, communities and care institutions have validated and reinforced the main findings of the said World Report that physical maltreatment of children is real and affects thousands of children in Mindanao and is often embedded in a cultural belief that children learn through violent punishment and physical pain, thus strengthening our resolve to stop corporal punishment being a global issue affecting millions of children worldwide.
Recent reports from UNICEF reveal that 21.3 percent of children in all its Country Programme for Children (CPC) 6 areas, including Davao City, have experienced severe forms of disciplining. In these areas, at least 40% of students in Grades 1-3 and 70 percent in Grades 4-6 and high school have experienced some kind of violence in school but most violence against children still remains largely unreported.
A similar research conducted by Save the Children Sweden in the Philippines in 2005 showed that “almost all of the children interviewed (85%) reported being punished in the home, and subjected to physical forms of punishment, or those involving direct assault on different parts of the body. Spanking was reported by more than half (65%) of children. The majority of the children (72%) interviewed also felt emotional hurt or pain after being punished; and more than half (56%) said they cried after being punished. Filipino children have described corporal punishment as being very painful, not only on the “outside” (physical) but also on the “inside” (emotions) and unforgettable.”
We believe that by eliminating all forms of corporal punishment of children and instead promoting a non-violent, positive discipline that provides warmth and structure that addresses developmental needs and teaches them what they ought to know in the long term will be for the best interest of children and for the better future of the country.
We support the passage of HB 682 or the anti-corporal punishment bill now pending in congress because it provides the mechanisms and structure that will further ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of children, especially against physical and emotional abuse, which are enshrined in our own constitution and strengthened by the Convention on the Rights of Children and its special protocols.
We support the passage of a national legislative measure against corporal punishment not only because of the recommendations of the World Report on Violence against Children, but also because we believe that the State has the obligation and is primarily accountable for the fulfillment of their rights as its sacred commitment to the Filipino people in particular, and humanity, in general, as it signed the international covenant on children.
We therefore humbly urge the members of this august body to pass HB 682, the same way as we plead to the senate to do the same on their counterpart bill in the hope of passing this landmark legislation that will help establish a more violent-free environment for our children.
End Corporal Punishment, Pass HB 682 Now!
Sincerely yours for the
Mindanao Convenors against Corporal Punishment,
(SIGNED)
EDITH O. CASIPLE
Executive Director
Tambayan Center for
Children’s Rights, Inc.
Davao City
EMMANUEL C. ROLDAN
Executive Director
Kabataan Consortium, Inc.
Davao City
ELLA ABAD-TAN
Program Manager
Bantay-Bata 163
Davao City
ROLDAN GONZALES
Executive Director
Gitib Inc.
Ozamis City
CHRISTOPHER PEÑALES
Chapter Program Manager
Family Planning Organization
of the Philippines,
SOCSARGEN Chapter
ELSA MANABAT
Executive Director
Katilingban Alang sa
Kalambuan, Inc.
Zamboanga City
MA. GRACE RAMOS
Executive Director
Adolescents Health
Advocates, Inc., Davao City
REV. EREBERTO P. GOPO
Program Director
Davao Advocates for the
Rights of Children, Davao City
JEANETTE A. LAUREL
Executive Director
Talikala, Inc.,
Davao City
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Report on Mindanao Consultation on UNCRC Monitoring and Reporting and AHRB
I. References:
1. Title of Activity : Mindanao Orientation and Consultation
on the UNCRC Monitoring and Reporting
Process and ASEAN HR Body (AHRB)
2. Implementing Member : MCCoP External Affairs Committee
3. Budget Used :
4. Date of Activity Implemented : November 10-11, 2008
II. Result/Analysis of Implementation:
1. Number of participants disaggregated according to;
a) Sex: Male = 9 Female = 20 Total = 29
b) Age bracket: 25-50
2. Name of Facilitators/RP’s a) Emmanuel C. Roldan
b) Christopher Penales
c) Roldan Gonzales
d) Minerva Cabiles (SCS)
e) Eva Maria Cayanan (SCS)
f) Gingging Valle (Documentor)
3. Major Achievements
The activity generally hopes to provide the participants from the NGO community of Mindanao an overview of the proposed formation of a human rights body under the ASEAN charter and on the monitoring and reporting process of the UNCRC implementation. The activity was able to achieve the following:
a) Deepened understanding on the role and of UNCRC and in the protection and promotion of children’s rights and the UNCRC reporting process;
b) Expressed commitment to work as child rights advocates by using child rights programming, streamlining child protection policy in their own organizations, and ensuring child participation at all levels;
c) Reviewed experiences, samples and processes of monitoring and shadow reporting of NGOs and children of other countries on the UNCRC implementation;
d) Understood and discussed the opportunities of MCCoP and other NGO’s on their involvement and collaboration to the AHRB that has children and women component;
e) Assessed MCCoP and Mindanao NGOs’ capability and standpoint as regards the AHRB and the actions to be undertaken;
f) Identified two of the three members to participate in the consultation with Asian child-rights partners sponsored by SCS in Manila on November 24-25, 2008; and,
g) Clearer understanding of project priorities and the possible organizational changes taking place at SCS family in Asia for the next three years.
4. Major Problems/Constraints:
The activity was launched without major problems or constraints. Perhaps what needs to be clarified is the specific future role of MCCoP on the UNCRC shadow reporting as well as on the ARHB in the future. The glaring data-gap on child protection issues is also a major concern of the group in order to sustain the monitoring and reporting and to make the process meaningful to NGOs and children.
5. Lessons Learned
a) The need to be informed about the regional, national and local efforts on UNCRC implementation, monitoring and reporting;
b) The need to consolidate efforts of NGOs and civil society not only in the AHRB but in realizing all the rights of children;
c) The value of inclusivity and openness to all stakeholders and networks in addressing child rights issues;
d) The value of child participation in all civil society’s efforts.
III. Recommendation and what to do next:
a) Active participation and engagement in the UNCRC monitoring and shadow reporting;
b) Active engagement in the discussion of AHRB at the regional and national levels;
c) Strengthen “standard” data gathering system amongst members and stakeholders;
d) Encourage participation of all sectors of society on child rights issues;
e) Include in the next project cycle of MCCoP its engagement in UNCRC monitoring and shadow reporting, AHRB formation and establishing child protection system at the local level.
Prepared by the
MCCoP External Affairs Committee Dec. 4, 20008
Submitted by:
EDITH O. CASIPLE
Executive Director, Tambayan Center
Lead Agency
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
1. Title of Activity : Mindanao Orientation and Consultation
on the UNCRC Monitoring and Reporting
Process and ASEAN HR Body (AHRB)
2. Implementing Member : MCCoP External Affairs Committee
3. Budget Used :
4. Date of Activity Implemented : November 10-11, 2008
II. Result/Analysis of Implementation:
1. Number of participants disaggregated according to;
a) Sex: Male = 9 Female = 20 Total = 29
b) Age bracket: 25-50
2. Name of Facilitators/RP’s a) Emmanuel C. Roldan
b) Christopher Penales
c) Roldan Gonzales
d) Minerva Cabiles (SCS)
e) Eva Maria Cayanan (SCS)
f) Gingging Valle (Documentor)
3. Major Achievements
The activity generally hopes to provide the participants from the NGO community of Mindanao an overview of the proposed formation of a human rights body under the ASEAN charter and on the monitoring and reporting process of the UNCRC implementation. The activity was able to achieve the following:
a) Deepened understanding on the role and of UNCRC and in the protection and promotion of children’s rights and the UNCRC reporting process;
b) Expressed commitment to work as child rights advocates by using child rights programming, streamlining child protection policy in their own organizations, and ensuring child participation at all levels;
c) Reviewed experiences, samples and processes of monitoring and shadow reporting of NGOs and children of other countries on the UNCRC implementation;
d) Understood and discussed the opportunities of MCCoP and other NGO’s on their involvement and collaboration to the AHRB that has children and women component;
e) Assessed MCCoP and Mindanao NGOs’ capability and standpoint as regards the AHRB and the actions to be undertaken;
f) Identified two of the three members to participate in the consultation with Asian child-rights partners sponsored by SCS in Manila on November 24-25, 2008; and,
g) Clearer understanding of project priorities and the possible organizational changes taking place at SCS family in Asia for the next three years.
4. Major Problems/Constraints:
The activity was launched without major problems or constraints. Perhaps what needs to be clarified is the specific future role of MCCoP on the UNCRC shadow reporting as well as on the ARHB in the future. The glaring data-gap on child protection issues is also a major concern of the group in order to sustain the monitoring and reporting and to make the process meaningful to NGOs and children.
5. Lessons Learned
a) The need to be informed about the regional, national and local efforts on UNCRC implementation, monitoring and reporting;
b) The need to consolidate efforts of NGOs and civil society not only in the AHRB but in realizing all the rights of children;
c) The value of inclusivity and openness to all stakeholders and networks in addressing child rights issues;
d) The value of child participation in all civil society’s efforts.
III. Recommendation and what to do next:
a) Active participation and engagement in the UNCRC monitoring and shadow reporting;
b) Active engagement in the discussion of AHRB at the regional and national levels;
c) Strengthen “standard” data gathering system amongst members and stakeholders;
d) Encourage participation of all sectors of society on child rights issues;
e) Include in the next project cycle of MCCoP its engagement in UNCRC monitoring and shadow reporting, AHRB formation and establishing child protection system at the local level.
Prepared by the
MCCoP External Affairs Committee Dec. 4, 20008
Submitted by:
EDITH O. CASIPLE
Executive Director, Tambayan Center
Lead Agency
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Consultation-Orientation on ASEAN HR Body
31 October 2008
Dear Colleagues,
First of all, please allow us to thank you for your participation in the series of consultations regarding the NGO alternative report on the UNCRC implementation held early this year. A final report has been made already for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and our inputs have given it a national color.
If you will still remember, one major recommendation during the NGO consultation at Mergrande Resort, Toril, Davao City was our continued monitoring of the implementation of the UNCRC by the government. Frankly it is hard to do this without the network of like-minded NGOs working together for this purpose so that our collective efforts would spell a difference to the lives of marginalized children and young people in Mindanao.
In view of this, the MCCoP with assistance from Save the Children Sweden, invites you and _______ of your key staff to attend the following activity:
What : Mindanao Orientation and Consultation on the proposed ASEAN
HR body and UN CRC-NGO Monitoring and Reporting Process
When : November 10 – 11, 2008
Where: Episcopal Seminar House, Matina, Davao City
This activity shall hopefully provide us with an overview of the proposed formation of a human rights body under the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the monitoring and reporting process of UNCRC implementation.
We look forward to your continued cooperation and support for the benefit of our children and people of Mindanao.
Sincerely yours for the
MCCoP External Affairs Committee,
EMMANUEL C. ROLDAN ROLDAN GONZALES CHRISTOPHER PINALES
Kabataan Consortium Gitib, Inc. FPOP-Socsargen
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
Dear Colleagues,
First of all, please allow us to thank you for your participation in the series of consultations regarding the NGO alternative report on the UNCRC implementation held early this year. A final report has been made already for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and our inputs have given it a national color.
If you will still remember, one major recommendation during the NGO consultation at Mergrande Resort, Toril, Davao City was our continued monitoring of the implementation of the UNCRC by the government. Frankly it is hard to do this without the network of like-minded NGOs working together for this purpose so that our collective efforts would spell a difference to the lives of marginalized children and young people in Mindanao.
In view of this, the MCCoP with assistance from Save the Children Sweden, invites you and _______ of your key staff to attend the following activity:
What : Mindanao Orientation and Consultation on the proposed ASEAN
HR body and UN CRC-NGO Monitoring and Reporting Process
When : November 10 – 11, 2008
Where: Episcopal Seminar House, Matina, Davao City
This activity shall hopefully provide us with an overview of the proposed formation of a human rights body under the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the monitoring and reporting process of UNCRC implementation.
We look forward to your continued cooperation and support for the benefit of our children and people of Mindanao.
Sincerely yours for the
MCCoP External Affairs Committee,
EMMANUEL C. ROLDAN ROLDAN GONZALES CHRISTOPHER PINALES
Kabataan Consortium Gitib, Inc. FPOP-Socsargen
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Children's Camp Slated on Oct. 11-12, 2008
PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR THE CHILDREN’S CAMP
October 11-12, 2008
Kabataan Training Center-Cebohle, Los Amigos, Davao City
Background:
Part of the second phase of the anti-CoP project of MCCoP for 2008 is the holding of children’s camp to realize the participation rights of children under the care of its members. The MCCoP views that an expression of children’s participation started through the establishment of the Kabataan Federation under the auspices of Kabataan Consortium. As of the last record of the consortium in 2005, the Federation had 27 children and youth organizations (CYOs). However, due to the reorganization of Kabataan Consortium, these CYOs were left at the care of their respective mother organizations. The MCCoP feels the need to revitalize/reorganize the Federation through the children’s camp in October in the observance of the children’s month, and eventually in December 2008 where a children’s congress shall be held for its eventual reorganization. This activity will be in preparation for the said congress.
Objectives:
The program hopes to provide opportunities where children are able to share their experiences and able to initiate actions in their communities of their situation among their peers. After the two-day activity, participants are able to:
1. understand the history and updates of the Kabataan Federation and give recoms;
2. know and discuss about children-related laws;
3. come-up with a draft statement of their situation for Oct. 19; and,
4. produce education materials for Oct. 19 Global Action Day
Participants:
Participants for the children camp shall be those that are served by Member Organization of Kabataan Consortium and MCCoP who are below 17 years old, active in their organization, and articulate and participative. Proposed participants per organization are broken down as follows: AHA 5, Talikala 5, DARICH 5, BB163 5, Tambayan 5, KABIBA/CRC 5, METSA 5, Kaugmaon 5.
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
October 11-12, 2008
Kabataan Training Center-Cebohle, Los Amigos, Davao City
Background:
Part of the second phase of the anti-CoP project of MCCoP for 2008 is the holding of children’s camp to realize the participation rights of children under the care of its members. The MCCoP views that an expression of children’s participation started through the establishment of the Kabataan Federation under the auspices of Kabataan Consortium. As of the last record of the consortium in 2005, the Federation had 27 children and youth organizations (CYOs). However, due to the reorganization of Kabataan Consortium, these CYOs were left at the care of their respective mother organizations. The MCCoP feels the need to revitalize/reorganize the Federation through the children’s camp in October in the observance of the children’s month, and eventually in December 2008 where a children’s congress shall be held for its eventual reorganization. This activity will be in preparation for the said congress.
Objectives:
The program hopes to provide opportunities where children are able to share their experiences and able to initiate actions in their communities of their situation among their peers. After the two-day activity, participants are able to:
1. understand the history and updates of the Kabataan Federation and give recoms;
2. know and discuss about children-related laws;
3. come-up with a draft statement of their situation for Oct. 19; and,
4. produce education materials for Oct. 19 Global Action Day
Participants:
Participants for the children camp shall be those that are served by Member Organization of Kabataan Consortium and MCCoP who are below 17 years old, active in their organization, and articulate and participative. Proposed participants per organization are broken down as follows: AHA 5, Talikala 5, DARICH 5, BB163 5, Tambayan 5, KABIBA/CRC 5, METSA 5, Kaugmaon 5.
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Invitation for Family Unity Walk
ALL CHILD-RIGHTS ADVOCATES,
SUPPORTERS, COLLEAGUES, ALLIES
AND FRIENDS
Davao City
Re: Invitation to join the FAMILY UNITY WALK for Peace and Children’s Rights on October 19, 2008
Dear PRO-BATA:
Once again the nation will celebrate Children’s Month this October to show its commitment as State signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). During this month-long celebration, the NGO child-rights advocates together with concerned government agencies and civil society will be collaborating in various children-related activities.
One of these activities for this year is the FAMILY UNITY WALK FOR PEACE AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS in the morning of October 19 in connection with the GLOBAL ACTION DAY ON VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND POSITIVE DISCIPLINE. This particular activity is sponsored by 7-member Mindanao Convenor on Corporal Punishment (MCCoP) in cooperation with Save the Children Sweden.
This year’s theme is “Salmot pamilya sa hiniusang lihok alang sa paghunong sa pagpang-abuso sa mga bata” to highlight family responsibility to stop violence against children (VAC) and to foster positive discipline in homes and in the community.
Participation is FREE and open to all individuals and families but you can bring along anything of value such as food, canned good, used clothing (ukay-ukay), shoes, books and school supplies, etc., to be donated to children victims of war in Central Mindanao and children-victims of disasters in Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. Also bring your banners, flaglets, posters, handbills and other information materials.
Sincerely yours for the MCCoP,
EDITHA O. CASIPLE EMMANUEL C. ROLDAN
Lead Agency Event Over-all Coordinator
Protect children from corporal punishment and all forms of violence, now!
SUPPORTERS, COLLEAGUES, ALLIES
AND FRIENDS
Davao City
Re: Invitation to join the FAMILY UNITY WALK for Peace and Children’s Rights on October 19, 2008
Dear PRO-BATA:
Once again the nation will celebrate Children’s Month this October to show its commitment as State signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). During this month-long celebration, the NGO child-rights advocates together with concerned government agencies and civil society will be collaborating in various children-related activities.
One of these activities for this year is the FAMILY UNITY WALK FOR PEACE AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS in the morning of October 19 in connection with the GLOBAL ACTION DAY ON VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND POSITIVE DISCIPLINE. This particular activity is sponsored by 7-member Mindanao Convenor on Corporal Punishment (MCCoP) in cooperation with Save the Children Sweden.
This year’s theme is “Salmot pamilya sa hiniusang lihok alang sa paghunong sa pagpang-abuso sa mga bata” to highlight family responsibility to stop violence against children (VAC) and to foster positive discipline in homes and in the community.
Participation is FREE and open to all individuals and families but you can bring along anything of value such as food, canned good, used clothing (ukay-ukay), shoes, books and school supplies, etc., to be donated to children victims of war in Central Mindanao and children-victims of disasters in Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. Also bring your banners, flaglets, posters, handbills and other information materials.
Sincerely yours for the MCCoP,
EDITHA O. CASIPLE EMMANUEL C. ROLDAN
Lead Agency Event Over-all Coordinator
Protect children from corporal punishment and all forms of violence, now!
Oct. 19 Family Unity Walk for Peace and Children's Rights
This year’s theme shall focus on the role of families as first defense against abuse and realization of children’s rights and key players for peace building in Mindanao. This year’s mobilization shall be dubbed as FAMILY UNITY WALK FOR PEACE AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS. MCCoP adopts a local theme for the global action, “Salmot pamilya sa hiniusang lihok alang sa paghunong sa pagpang-abuso sa mga bata ug para sa kalinaw” (Families participate in united effort to stop abuse on children and for peace) to highlight family responsibility to protect children from violence at home and in the community and for the realization of peace in the country.
Participants
At least 500 persons from the families and children of MCCoP members, child-rights advocates, NGOs, local partners, government offices, schools and allied groups from Davao City are expected to attend. They shall be officially invited through a letter from the MCCoP.
Proposed Program
a) Family Unity Walk
DATE : October 19 (Sunday)
TIME : Registration 5:00 A.M.; 10:00 A.M. Closing
VENUE : Culminating Program-Matina Town Square (MTS)
ROUTE : MTS (Staging point) to McArthur Highway to
Pichon St., to Bolton St., to San Pedro St., to
Ilustre St., to Gen. Luna St., to Claudio St., back
to MTS
REQUIREMENT: Bring used clothing, food items, medicines, books,
for children-victims of war and calamities
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
Participants
At least 500 persons from the families and children of MCCoP members, child-rights advocates, NGOs, local partners, government offices, schools and allied groups from Davao City are expected to attend. They shall be officially invited through a letter from the MCCoP.
Proposed Program
a) Family Unity Walk
DATE : October 19 (Sunday)
TIME : Registration 5:00 A.M.; 10:00 A.M. Closing
VENUE : Culminating Program-Matina Town Square (MTS)
ROUTE : MTS (Staging point) to McArthur Highway to
Pichon St., to Bolton St., to San Pedro St., to
Ilustre St., to Gen. Luna St., to Claudio St., back
to MTS
REQUIREMENT: Bring used clothing, food items, medicines, books,
for children-victims of war and calamities
Uphold the rights of the child, now and all the time!
All systems go for Oct. 19 2008 Global Action Day to End VAC and Corporal Punishment
In early 2007, the 7-member Mindanao Convenor Against Corporal Punishment (MCCoP) was organized as a spin-off activity to the consultation sponsored by Save the Children Sweden (SCS). During that year, a six-month anti-corporal punishment campaign was launched involving four cities in Mindanao such as Davao and General Santos in Southern Mindanao; and, Ozamis and Zamboanga in Western Mindanao. This campaign was spearheaded by Tambayan Center, Kabataan Consortium, Bantay Bata 163, Adolescent Health Advocates and Family Planning Organization of the Philippines-General Santos, for Southern Mindanao; and, Gitib Inc., and Katilingban Alang sa Kalamboan Inc., for Western Mindanao.
One of the highlights of the said campaign was the holding of the Global Action Day to End VAC and CoP in October 19, 2007, the first mobilization on VAC in Mindanao. The date was auspicious because fell within the children’s month celebration. Two separate mobilization activities were conducted in Davao City and General Santos involving a total of about 300 participants, mostly children and children rights advocates who had directly or indirectly participated in the campaign. The general goal of this activity was to introduce the new emerging protection issue of children on corporal punishment to the public. A motorcade around major streets followed by a short children’s forum was held in Davao City and a similar forum was conducted also in General Santos. Among the recommendations after the event was to regularize the holding of the Global Action Day every October 19 of the year.
One of the highlights of the said campaign was the holding of the Global Action Day to End VAC and CoP in October 19, 2007, the first mobilization on VAC in Mindanao. The date was auspicious because fell within the children’s month celebration. Two separate mobilization activities were conducted in Davao City and General Santos involving a total of about 300 participants, mostly children and children rights advocates who had directly or indirectly participated in the campaign. The general goal of this activity was to introduce the new emerging protection issue of children on corporal punishment to the public. A motorcade around major streets followed by a short children’s forum was held in Davao City and a similar forum was conducted also in General Santos. Among the recommendations after the event was to regularize the holding of the Global Action Day every October 19 of the year.
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