Enforcement of Children’s Code in Boracay pushed by PSWDO
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Aklan is pushing for the enforcement of the Provincial Children’s Code in Boracay island-resort next year.
Elma Malbas, provincial social welfare officer, said her office is conducting an awareness campaign on the Children’s Code among the transport group and laborers of the Caticlan Jetty Port.
Earlier, the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 mobilized the Children’s Welfare Desk at the Jetty Port. This means that all of the minors passing in the jetty port would be registered at their desk.
The purpose is to protect children from abuses while staying in Boracay.
“We are just waiting for the passage of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Children’s Code. Anyone, including resort owners, would be held liable if they violated certain provisions in the Children’s Code,” Malbas said.
Before it was approved, resort owners prohibited policemen from entering their premises to investigate suspected child prostitution cases.
“Based on the code, we could use the strategy of rescuing the children whenever they are suspected of having an illicit relationship with an adult be it foreigner or local,” Malbas said.
Once the IRR is released, the DSWD will then start a massive information campaign on the enforcement of the law.
Malbas said they also hope that stakeholders and resort owners will fully cooperate in the protection of children.*PNA
