SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration this year puts emphasis on the mental health and well-being of children as important factors for their growth and development.

In its 30th year, the NCM seeks to focus on the well-being, mental health, and welfare of children with relevance to the theme “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan.”

From the 1st up to the 3rd quarter of 2022, Western Visayas logged 648 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), or those below 18 years of age but not less than 15 years who are suspected or accused of committing an offense.

Meanwhile, 911 in Region 6 are considered Children at Risk (CAR), or those who committed light offenses or are at risk of becoming a CICL.

In Antique, the reported CICL and CAR cases have reached 25 and 22, respectively.

Community-based interventions with the help of social workers, the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), and the barangay-level Diversion Committee are in place for CICL and CAR, alongside programs and services from the welfare department.

Villanueva warned that abuse may only cycle and lead to further problems in the future when left unattended, hence the importance of immediate response to reported cases.

She also urged the public not to be silent on the topic of abuse and violence, and to come together in advocating for and becoming active participants in the promotion and implementation of children’s rights. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique/Photo Courtesy: Council for the Welfare of Children)