The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to kickstart its latest initiative dubbed as PEACE Project for children involved in armed conflict (CIAC) in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 11 (Davao Region) within the next half of 2025, an agency official said on Monday (April 28).

“Ang Departamento ay laging nakatuon sa best interest ng mga bata. Naniniwala ang ahensiya sa pag-i-invest para sa kagalingan, proteksiyon, at kaunlaran ng mga kabataan kaya’t nadevelop ang PEACE Project para sa mga children in armed conflict. Batid natin na ang mga kabataang nasa armed conflict ay biktima ng kanilang sitwasyon at higit na nangangailangan ng intervention,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

The PEACE Project aims to protect and safeguard the rights and welfare of the CIAC using child-sensitive approaches that are based on the rights of the child, according to Asst. Secretary Dumlao.

The initial target beneficiaries of the project are the CIAC who were rescued or referred by the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs).

“Bukod sa mga CIAC, kabilang din sa bibigyan ng intervention ang kanilang mga pamilya upang matiyak na komprehensibo at family-based approach ang ating maibibigay na tulong sa mga CIAC. Kasama din sa ating bibigyang
intervention ang komunidad na kinabibilangan ng CIAC, bilang sila din ay pangunahing apektadong populasyon,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

Under the project, the beneficiaries will be given a comprehensive intervention through the risk-based case management strategy on desensitization and rehabilitation. The project will also conduct peace-promoting education for families and communities.

Part of the project is the conduct of activities to raise awareness about the CIAC and the importance of protecting children from being placed in situations of armed conflict, as well as protecting them from stigmatization.

“Napakahalaga ng gawaing ito lalo sa mga bata. Buo ang paniniwala natin na walang bata na nagnanais mapabilang sa mga alinmang conflict situation. Kaya’t pinapaigting natin ang preparatory activities upang sa lalong madaling panahon ay matulungan na ang mga CIAC,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained.

The PEACE project is one of the innovations that the Department is championing to ensure that all sectors in need are included in the development initiatives of the government.

The project employs a comprehensive and whole-of-society approach to address the needs of the CIAC in line with the thrust of the Marcos administration in ensuring that no one is left behind in development.

“Ang Peace Project ay ang ating tugon sa pangangailangan ng mga batang nasa armed conflict upang masiguro na gaya ng mga kapwa nila kabataan, magiging maganda at mapayapa ang kanilang kinabukasan,” the DSWD spokesperson said. (GDVF)