City’s new code assures child’s protection, rights

A RECENT passage of comprehensive welfare code is protecting the rights and welfare of children, according to Iloilo City Councilor Nielex Tupas.

The Regulation Ordinance 2012-195 ensures the protection of children against all forms of abuse and exploitation, advocates children’s rights and promotes their welfare and development.

Tupas, the proponent, presented the code to City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who said the passage of the code will solidify the position of Iloilo City as a Child-Friendly City that recognizes children as important assets of society.

The code hopes to improve the quality of life of Ilonggo children enabling them to fully develop their potentials and participate in community life and nation building and to provide mechanisms to address violations that amount to abuse of the children.

The code seeks to coordinate the various government agencies and non-government agencies in providing services to the children and the existing local practices that violate children’s rights that necessitate laws to address the same.

These children are those below 18 years old or those over but are unable to take care of themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition. (Lydia C. Pendon)