DSWD chief commits to help end child marriage, forced union; data shows 460,000 girls under 18 married in 2022

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has reaffirmed the DSWD’s commitment to safeguard Filipino children from child marriage and forced union that deprive them of their childhood, opportunity, and development.

Citing the 2024 Situation Analysis of Children, Secretary Gatchalian said an estimated 460,000 girls below 18 were married or in a union in 2022, and around 73,000 of this number entered in unions before turning 15.

“Today is proof that when everyone works as one, we can break a cycle. Kaya nating itigil ang child, early, and forced marriage and unions. Hindi natin ito pwedeng ipagwalang-bahala dahil bukod sa naglilimita ito ng pagkakataon at karapatan, naglilihis din ito ng landas sa mga kabataan,” Secretary Gatchalian said during the launching of the National Action Plan on Ending Child, Early, and Forced Marriages and Unions (NAP-ECEFMU) on Friday (December 12) at the Novotel Manila in Quezon City.

The DSWD is the lead implementer of Republic Act 11596 also known as ‘An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof.’

“The DSWD commits to continue protecting children who are vulnerable, and to support those who were forced to child marriage or union. Patuloy kaming magpapalakas ng mga patakaran, magtuturo sa ating frontliners at magbibigay ng gabay sa lahat ng katuwang natin,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The DSWD chief also highlighted in his message that the fight against child marriage requires unified action, noting that many children continue to face these situations.

“Gusto ko ring ipaalala na hindi ito kayang gawin ng isang ahensya lamang. Lahat tayo ay may papel dito. Kapag sabay-sabay ang galaw natin, mas malaki ang nabubuo nating resulta. At sa patuloy nating kooperasyon, mas malayo pa ang ating mararating,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

According to the DSWD chief, the data on child marriage and forced union contradict the nation’s vision of children as the hope of the country.

“Lagi nating sinasabi na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan pero sila mismo ang nawawalan ng pag-asa. Hindi angkop ang realidad nila sa pagiging kinabukasan ng bayan dahil sa halip na ma-enjoy nila ang kanilang kabataan, they are forced to grow up overnight,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

The NAP-ECEFMU is a multi-year and the first multi-sectoral framework that aims to intensify the implementation of Republic Act 11596. (YADP)

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