Miriam College - Child Rights Advocacy Center - CRAC

6th ASEAN Dialogue on the UNCRC

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Philippines successfully hosted the 6th ASEAN Dialogue on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 17 December 2025 in Manila, Philippines.

The Dialogue focused on UN CRC Article 31 and General Comment No. 17 (2013), highlighting every child’s right to rest, leisure, play, recreational activities, cultural life, and the arts. Discussions reflected on progress made and persistent challenges 12 years after the issuance of GC No. 17.

The program featured policy discussions and field perspectives from child rights advocates and practitioners across ASEAN, with Atty. Mylen B. Gonzales-Esquivel, Executive Director of the Child’s Rights Advocacy Center (CRAC), Miriam College, serving as a Resource Speaker, where she shared insights on the importance of and challenges in realizing children’s rights from the field.

Together with partners and stakeholders, the Dialogue reaffirmed ASEAN’s shared commitment to advancing and protecting children’s rights across the region.

Warmest congratulations on the successful launch of “Safe Today, Strong Tomorrow: A Primer on Child Protection and Safeguarding for Frontline Service Providers” by Atty. Mylen Gonzales Esquivel, JD, RSW, held at Cebu Doctors’ University last December 12, 2025.

This milestone reflects a strong commitment to child protection, advocacy, and the empowerment of frontline service providers. May this book serve as a powerful guide and inspiration in building safer spaces and a stronger future for our children.

A heartfelt thanks to Zonta Club of Cebu 2 for their unwavering support, dedication, and leadership in making the “Safe Today, Strong Tomorrow” book project and launching a resounding success.

Here’s to meaningful collaboration and lasting impact for a child-safe and violence-free community.

𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀!

The 1st National Forum on Child Protection and Safeguarding has concluded with a powerful and unifying message: the Philippines has strong laws to protect our children—but our shared challenge is ensuring these safeguards are fully realized in everyday practice. This milestone gathering also marked a meaningful culmination of National Children’s Month, reinforcing our shared commitment to building safer, more nurturing environments for every child.

Throughout the plenary and breakout sessions, participants explored the evolving landscape of child protection, especially in the face of rapid technological change and increasingly complex forms of exploitation and abuse.

Key highlights included:
📞 The launch of Makabata Helpline 1383, providing accessible 24/7 national reporting for children in need
👨‍👩‍👧 Emphasis on RA 11642 reaffirming the importance of permanent, nurturing families
⚖️ Deeper understanding of the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility, centering children’s rights and rehabilitation
🛡️ Critical discussions on RA 11930 and the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation
💛 Meaningful conversations on adoption, placement disruption, and strengthening support systems
🔍 Looking into the Lowering of Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR)
👥 Enhanced approaches in handling CAR and CICL cases, rooted in trauma-informed and child-friendly practices

Across all sessions, one theme stood out: child protection works only when all sectors move together—government agencies, communities, schools, organizations, families, and advocates. Laws are powerful, but it is our collective action, competence, and compassion that bring them to life.

This forum strengthened our shared commitment to building a Philippines where every child is safe, protected, included, and empowered to thrive.

Our heartfelt gratitude to all our participants and partners, Council for the Welfare of Children, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council and National Authority for Child Care who made this event possible. Your support, collaboration, and commitment played a vital role in bringing our shared advocacy to life.

As we move forward, may this gathering inspire sustained coordination, deeper understanding, and meaningful action—ensuring that every child receives the protection and dignity they deserve. Thank you for standing with us in creating safer, stronger, and more empowering spaces for every child.

Safe Spaces, Strong Voices Year 2. Thank you MC HEU Office for Student Affairs and Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute - WAGI 💙💛

Miriam College - Child Rights Advocacy Center - CRAC met with the Holy Cross of Davao College President Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, S.C. and Br. Glien Norbe, BFCC, BS Social Work Internationalization Focal and Faculty of the Social Work Program to explore meaningful engagements and potential partnerships focused on curriculum enhancement, program management, and community involvement.

This collaborative discussion opens new opportunities to strengthen child protection initiatives, expand learning programs, and empower communities through shared expertise and advocacy.

We look forward to building impactful projects together and creating safer, more child-centered learning environments for all.

Madayaw Dabaw!

Miriam College - Child Rights Advocacy Center - CRAC in partnership with the Office of Student Development and Services of CHED, and CHED Regional Office XI, successfully concluded the Training-Workshop on Anti-Sexual Harassment and the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) for the Mindanao Cluster last November 19–20, 2025, at Acacia Hotel, Lanang, Davao City.

Bringing together about 120 participants from CHED Regional Offices and HEIs across Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and CARAGA, the conference fostered a stronger collective commitment to creating safe and empowering learning environments.

Key highlights and insightful discussions were delivered by our resource speakers.
Atty. Mylen B. Gonzales-Esquivel, J.D., RSW, MC CRAC Executive Director provided information on responding to Gender-Based Sexual Harassment (GBSH) and the Safe Spaces Act. Ms. Lizette Therese S. Cinco, RSW, MC CRAC Associate Director guided participants in gaining value and knowledge on Psychological First Aid in addressing the Needs of GBSH Survivors.

A sincere expression of gratitude is extended to our partners and participants for their essential contributions, which have made this initiative a significant step toward enhancing gender-responsive policies and protecting our academic communities and institutions.

JOIN US FOR A MILESTONE EVENT ON CHILD PROTECTION!

We are proud to invite you to the 1st National Forum on Child Protection and Safeguarding, a gathering of advocates, educators, policymakers, and child-rights champions with Council for the Welfare of Children, National Authority for Child Care, and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council

✨ Theme: From Policy to Practice: Ensuring Safe, Inclusive, and Resilient Approaches to Child Protection
📅 Date: 27 November 2025 (Thursday)
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Venue: Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center, Miriam College

This forum aims to strengthen our collective efforts in creating environments where every child is safe, valued, and protected. Expect meaningful discussions, insightful presentations, and collaborative exchanges geared toward building a stronger culture of safeguarding in all spaces for children.

👥 Open to educators, social workers, child protection officers, youth leaders, and advocates.

Let’s work together to turn child protection policies into impactful, real-world practices.

💙 Your voice matters. Your commitment makes a difference.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4oMsQ67

This is a face-to-face event. See you!

✨ Little Voices, Big Planet: Protecting Children in Times of Calamities and Disasters ✨

Yesterday’s session reminded us of a powerful truth: in every disaster, it is the smallest voices—our children—who bear the heaviest impact. 🌧️👧👦

Ms. Ah Ken of UNICEF Philippines and Ms. Sta. Ines of DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau led us through an eye-opening discussion on why children must be at the center of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Children are not just passive victims—they are rights-holders who deserve safety, dignity, and protection at all times.

We reflected on the role of duty-bearers, communities, and institutions in ensuring child-centered DRRM. Policies and systems matter, but what matters more is how seriously we listen, respond, and act.

As Atty. Esquivel reminded us, “A child’s voice may be small, but the impact of our failure to listen is enormous.”

In a world where disasters have become part of our new normal, our commitment to child protection must be intentional, sustained, and rooted in compassion.

Let’s carry the session's insights into our work, our communities, and our everyday decisions. Together, we can amplify little voices and build a safer, more responsive world for every child. 🌍💛

Miriam College Climate Action Week 2025🌏🌿

Join us together with the Miriam College Environmental Studies Institute - ESI on November 18, 2025 in a meaningful discussion on how we can protect and empower children amid the growing challenges of climate change and natural disasters.

Scan the QR Code in the poster to register! Let's work together for a safer, more resilient future for every child.

Kick-off Celebration of Children's Month!🥳

Miriam College - Child Rights Advocacy Center - CRAC began Children's Month celebration with a special Mass last November 7 - a meaningful way to give thanks and honor the gift of every child.

Here's to a month filled with learning, laughter and love for our children - our hope and inspiration!

Our heartfelt appreciation to the MC HEU Campus Ministry Office for assisting and leading this special celebration.

Join us in our celebration this November. Stay tuned for other activities.

Atty Myles Gonzales-Esquivel, Executive Director of the Miriam College - Child Rights Advocacy Center - CRAC, during the DSWD Academy's Capability Training held last October 27-30, 2025.

Recognized as a subject matter expert in the discussion of upholding integrity in assessment, recognizing prior learning and aligning with the national and ASEAN standards.

Indeed! Strong voices, bold actions bring meaningful change. International Day of the Girl Child celebrated through the MC High School way. 💙💛