Zero CICL in Mintal

THE dragon boat program of Barangay Mintal helped decrease the barangay's number of children in conflict with the law (CICL).

Since the start of the dragon boat program in 2015, the number of CICLs in Barangay Mintal dropped to zero this year from 72 in 2015. Data showed there was a steady drop of CICLs. In 2015 there were 72, in 2016 it dropped to 32, and in 2017 it went down by more than half to just 15.

"Mao ni among gikalipay na it's an achievement na change namo ang children conflict with the law na naay kaso gyud, (We’re happy with our achievement where we were able to change CICLs)," Barangay Mintal captain Ramon Bargamento said during a phone interview with SunStar Davao Wednesday.

He said they also noted that the children they helped through the program are also now helping them in keeping order in the barangay.

"Sila na ang mubadlong sa mga bagong dugo nga gustong mag yaga yaga (They are now the ones who will reprimand those who will bring trouble)," Bargamento added.

The dragon boat team of Brgy. Mintal started in 2015 to engage the CICL who were members of gangs.

Bargamento added that they chose dragon boat as a sport because it is a non-contact sport and will prevent tensions among the CICLs. He added they partnered with Base Camp Dragons to assist the CICL during training which also disciplined the children.

Base Camp Dragons board member Jack Bordas said in a phone interview with Sunstar Davao that they are happy to see that the program made a big impact among the CICLs. Base Camp Dragons thought of the program as a community service that showed positive changes among the children.

Due to the success of the program, the Mintal Dragons was recognized by the National Awards Committee as one of the Best Practices for the Diversion Program of Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk. The awarding ceremony will be on November 26, 2018 in Metro Manila.