The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (PCAT-VAWC) held their 2nd Joint Meeting today, June 11, 2025, at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol. The meeting was presided over by Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong.

OIC-Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Monaima A. Adiong provided updates on the Child, Youth, and Women Welfare Program. She shared several cases successfully managed by the PSWDO, including instances involving a child separated from parents, sexual abuse survivors, an abandoned child, a trafficking survivor, and multiple cases of physical abuse across different municipalities.

Rohanie B. Datumanong of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), underscored the critical importance of birth registration. “A birth certificate gives dignity, identity, and protection to the children of Lanao del Sur,” she emphasized. Datumanong noted that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ranks the lowest in birth registration nationwide, with only 77% of children registered. She cited various barriers to registration, including lack of awareness, fear of consequences, cultural norms, and complex procedures.

Meanwhile, Datu Sofeier Adil of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presented the ongoing efforts to promote digital birth registration through the BRAVE (Birth Registration Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations to End Childhood Statelessness) Project, aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of the highlights of the joint meeting was the ceremonial turnover of seed grants and advocacy materials to Local Youth Development Officers (LYDOs) and various youth networks in Lanao del Sur. This initiative aims to enhance youth-led initiatives in child protection and advocacy. The municipalities of Pualas, Saguiaran, Balindong, Masiu, Butig, Mulondo, and Marawi City were among the beneficiaries.

Ranaw Youth Development Officer Jamil Faisal S. Adiong then presented three key legislative proposals: the Ordinance for Children with Special Needs, the Ordinance on the Ranaw Iskolar Program, and the Ordinance on Students’ Rights and Welfare. Drafts and resolutions for these proposed ordinances were also shared with the body.

The meeting concluded with an open forum, allowing participants to raise questions, voice concerns, and provide input on the meeting’s agenda.