View source for (FEATURE) Creating a haven for children in Central Luzon

*Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2661448512889/-feature-creating-a-haven-for-children-in-central-luzon
*Friday, November 27, 2015 
:By Marie Joy L. Simpao (CLJD/MJLS- PIA 3)

They always say and it must really be the case that children should stay at home under the care of their parents or they must be in school to learn things properly. However, that is the ideal set-up.
 
Given the reality of our present society, instead of being at home or in school, you can see children wandering on the streets, begging for money or food. Others are selling sampaguitas.
 
Still, others are being victims of sex trade, and this is probably the most common form of abuse and violation against children’s safety.
 
Due to the people who want to take advantage of a child’s innocence, or should we say weakness, plus the rapid development in technology and social media, many children throughout the global community are facing a wide range of risks. The scenario in most tourist spots is the same. It is as if a place is a tourist spot, it is tantamount to being a hotspot for child sex and child exploitation. Angeles City in Pampanga is no exception.
 
Given this facts and following a series of launching in other key tourist destinations nationwide, the Department of Tourism (DOT) thought that it was appropriate to launch the ChildSafe Tourism program in Central Luzon, particularly targeting Angeles City.
 
Primarily, this program is a prevention program to fight commercial sex exploitation of children, by promoting respect for the rights of children and their protection.
 
:SERIES OF MEETINGS
 
The DOT in Central Luzon called on its stakeholders and partners in protecting the welfare and safety of children and ensuring that their rights will not be abused or taken advantage of, for an initial meeting to pitch to them the idea of launching the program in the area. During the initial meeting, representatives from the DOT Main Office presented what the ChildSafe Tourism program is all about as well as the launchings that were previously held in other areas to give the body a glimpse of what they are about to embark on. Said idea to launch a similar event in Angeles City was welcomed by the body with enthusiasm. This eagerness led the team to assign among themselves various committees to ensure that no details in the event will be missed out.
 
From that initial meeting in August 2015, the team continued to hold a monthly meeting until the scheduled launch in November. From that day on, too, the committees never cease to coordinate with one another and update the body as to the developments of the preparations for the said event.
 
:PREPARATION
 
Almost all of the agencies’ representatives have perfect attendances during the series of meetings and roundtable discussions for this event. That only shows how committed each one is in achieving the cause of the campaign in attaining a ChildSafe Central Luzon. Due to the series of meetings, it seems that everyone is very well acquainted with anyone else in the group. Of course, after having about three to four meetings, everyone is now also very familiar with what the campaign is all about.


But as if that is not enough, the body convened again a day before the actual launch for an orientation seminar. This aims to further deepen their understanding of the program, and of the commitment they are about to take as members of the ChildSafe Network. This also assessed how well they have prepared and how well they are ready for the next day’s big event.
 
:D-DAY
 
With everything set in place, the D-Day started with a historic fun walk from the Walking Street, passing through the Bayanihan Park and ending at the SM City Clark where a program awaits. The walk was meant to be a symbolic one, showing that with force and unity of all the network members, we can put an end to child exploitation in the area. During the program at SM City Clark, aside from the messages centered on the thought that “everyone has his own share to ensure that children’s rights are protected at all times and in every instance”, what add more fun to the already festive atmosphere are the performances from various children’s groups. From singing to dancing, each group does not only showcase their talents but are also making a stand, letting everyone realize how vulnerable they are and that it’s a must to do our share and take part in the campaign which will save their future. One of the highlights of the event is the performance of “The Voice Kids” finalist Sassa Dagdag who served as the ambassadress of the ChildSafe Tourism program in the region. The activity ended with the presentation of the 7 Travel Tips, commitment signing and a press conference with the members of the media.
 
:WAY FORWARD
 
Of course, the network members know that a one-day launch will not suffice. It is only the start of a continuing collaboration among them to champion the cause of child safety in the region. So to really show how willing they are to be working for this cause, the members signed a covenant affirming their support to the Child Safe Tourism Programme by asserting vehement opposition to the sexual exploitation of children in the tourism industry.

Among the things they pledge to uphold are the protection of children in the tourism industry and in the community; being vigilant in situations where children maybe at risk of exploitation; developing and adopting appropriate policy on child protection; training their personnel to respond appropriately when they observe suspicious behavior; raising awareness of the general public on issues affecting the lives and welfare of children; advocating for the active and meaningful participation of children on matters that affect them; and encouraging ethical and sustainable tourism practices that respect the rights of the children. And they can do these through implementing various programs in their respective institutions. CLJD/MJLS- PIA 3)