DSWD, partner bare juvenile justice law gains
CLARK FREEPORT-The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its attached agency, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), bared gains from the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) or Republic Act 9344.
DSWD and JJWC highlighted gains from the law in celebration of its 15th anniversary of on May 20, 2021, with the theme, “JJWA: Patuloy sa Pagtataguyod sa Karapatan ng mga Bata sa Bagong Normal!”
The theme reflects the continuing goal of the DSWD, JJWC, and all other stakeholders in promoting the welfare and upholding the rights of children at all times.
Under the JJWA, children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL) are given hope and a second chance to restore their lives and dignity, and to start anew and create a better future for themselves.
Gains
Since the enactment of JJWA in 2006 and the passage of Republic Act (RA) 10630 in 2013 which amended and strengthened RA 9344, DSWD and JJWC have persevered to ensure the full implementation of the law.
Prior to the enactment of the law, children committing petty crimes or status offenses were treated similarly as adult offenders.
From 1995 to 2000, a total of 52,576 children were in detention or under custodial setting while an average of 10,515 children were being arrested every year with few cases being resolved.
Likewise, majority of jails all over the country do not have a separate detention facility for childr en.
The CICL then suffered from different kinds of abuses especially under custody or detention, but the enactment of JJWA have altered this picture, reaching a landmark on child protection law.
The law mandates the adoption of the principle of restorative justice, prohibiting the detention of children in jails, providing juvenile offenders prevention programs at the local level, introducing diversion, and strengthening rehabilitation, reintegration, and aftercare programs.
JJWA also seeks to establish a protective environment for children, so that they will not commit crimes or be victims of crimes.
In 2020, JJWC monitored a total of 1,079 children from BPAs and other youth care facilities that were reintegrated into the community.
The DSWD, JJWC, and child protection advocates strongly encourage the local government units to continue to uphold children’s rights through appropriate interventions, and ensure the full implementation of the law, especially in the new normal.
Meanwhile, the JJWC reported the many efforts it has taken to ensure the full implementation of the law. These include enhancement in various aspects of its mandate focusing on Policy Formulation
CLARK FREEPORT --- Cebu Pacific (CEB) recently received its ninth brand-new Airbus A321neo (New Engine Option) aircraft signifying its continuous efforts to integrate eco-friendly initiatives in its oper at i ons.
CEB proudly operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average age of 5.75 years.
The Airbus 321neo is known to deliver 20% fuel cost savings, which would translate to even lower fares for everyJuan.
The transition to an all-NEO fleet is part of CEB's commitment to reduce its carbon emissions and contribute to the airline's sustainability goals.
The A321neo is more fuel-efficient with nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.
“We are happy to continue moving forward with our long-term fleet plan in line with our commitment to keep providing safe and affordable travel for everyJuan. Now more than ever, ensuring our operations are as efficient and sustainable as possible is of top priority and we are glad to have started with this journey even before the pandemic,” said Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer at Cebu Pacific.
CEB’s newest aircraft is set to enter into service within this month to fly to various Philippine destinations across CEB’s widest domestic network with 44 routes.
To date, the Cebu Pacific 75-strong fleet is comprised of nine (9) A321neo, 25 Airbus A320, seven (7) Airbus A321ceo, five (5) Airbus A320neo, seven (7) Airbus A330, six (6) ATR 72-500, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft. Its fleet also has two (2) ATR freighters on top of one (1) A330 freighter.
and Program Development, Research and Information Management, Advocacy and Social Mobilization, Technical Assistance to Stakeholders, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
The DSWD and JJWC remain committed in promoting and protecting the rights of CAR and CICL under a restorative justice and welfare system.