Signature of Support by BIAF Brigade Commander, Abu Saaf Onofre (left) and Estalin M. Martin, CBCPN Chairman (right)

The Community Based Child Protection Network (CBCPN) with Community Welfare Volunteers and Youth Focal Point were launched in Barangay Lucatan, Tarragona, Davao Oriental on February 9, 2013. The activity aimed to raise the awareness of the community on the existence of the community-based organizations and networks that will look into the welfare and protection of children.

It is also aimed at forging collaboration and unity among concerned authorities and strengthening support and participation of the community and other stakeholders to undertakings which advance the protection of children. Support was manifested through signature of authorities and community stakeholders.

Mr. Abu Saaf Onofre, the Brigade Commander of 111th base command Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), stressed the necessity of giving attention to the protection of the children and the joint undertakings of the community for the said cause. He also extends the willingness and sincere support of the BIAF in the province for the protection of the children not only to Brgy Lucatan but to the rest of their areas of responsibilities.

Other key stakeholders present in the activity were Mr. Rasul Felix, Municipal Political Committee Vice-Chairperson of Tarragona; Sittie Habiba, Social Welfare Committee Chairperson in the Municipality of Tarragona; Bebencio Anelag, MPDO of Tarragona, representative to the Mayor; Mr. Manuel Gangis, Chairperson of Brgy Lucatan; PSI Juanilyo Morales, PNP Chief Inspector of Tarragona; Mr. Renato Pinos, Elementary School Principal and other members of the MILF and the community.

The CBCPN is a network of organizations and institution based in the community specifically organized and enjoined themselves for the protection of the children in their community. This network initiates plans and implement necessary policies and coordination to authorities on matters related to the protection of children and/or addressing child protection issues in the community. It is organized through the facilitation of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)./Nor Ayn Makakena- CPC Operations and Training Officer, BDA CMO