For more than two decades, serving in vulnerable communities as a child rights advocate, the frequent observation arises: grassroots groups including school counselors possess a unique ability to identify and mitigate risks confronting children. Their dedication and ardor towards shielding children from harm stand undeniable. This dedication impels them to enhance their proficiency continually, seeking avenues to better aid the children they serve.
Their request prompted the Safer Cities for Children Project consortium led by the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network [ PCMN] with partners ECPAT Philippines and Lingap Pangkabataan, to organize a training-workshop for 76 guidance counselors and child protection focal from various elementary schools in Quezon City. This workshop aimed to further build their capacities as frontliners and link them into a tight referral network to better safeguard children from harm.
Since counselors’ core role is caring for students, we delved into compassionately handling disclosures. Specialist Dr. Moises Ardina Jr. explained establishing safe spaces where youth can share freely without judgment. He reminded counselors to focus on listening rather than interrogating. Tackled were practical tips on how to identify nonverbal cues—from fidgeting to suppressed emotions—that signal distress. Confidentiality and consent were emphasized as important.
Equally important was reinforcing their legal duties and provisions as duty-bearers to promote children’s rights stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and under laws like the Anti-Child Abuse Act and Anti-OSAEC Act. Sessions by Mr. Norman Agustin outlined offenses and penalties under Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC law.
To apply learnings, counselors were walked through specific experiences and examples of cyberbullying, abuse, and self-harm. They grappled with challenging dilemmas around informing guardians and activating responders through the unified reporting and referral system of the city LGU while respecting the child’s wishes—revealing the need for tailored protocols. Mr. Freyel Vera Cruz discussed reporting procedures, and referral pathways. Rights like access to information and complaint mechanisms were underscored too.
Post surveys showed participants gained substantial knowledge on warning signs, managing disclosures, rights-based care, and reporting/referral systems. 100% rated the workshop as highly satisfactory for building their capabilities as frontliners. Many pledged to cascade the training to other teachers.
While progress was made strengthening individual skills, systems-level work remains like formalizing standard school guidelines. And capacities require ongoing reinforcement through technical assistance. But enthusiasm and knowledge gained have planted promising seeds for improving child protection practices among these critical counselors.
The workshop was made possible thru support by CISU and Viva Denmark, which aims to build a community-driven ecosystem preventing and responding to online sexual exploitation of children in Quezon City. Efforts span awareness-raising, youth mobilization, duty-bearer education, and capability-building across sectors.
Schools can powerfully rally communities to safeguard youth. Equipping them creates invaluable grassroots allies. This workshop represents one step towards enlightening these strategic partners on the frontlines and linking them into a tight safety net reaching vulnerable children. Though long-term commitment is required, the dividends for at-risk youth are immeasurable.